Women and Cardiac Rehabilitation: Referral and Compliance Patterns

Heart disease is the primary killer among American women. Differences in referral for cardiac rehabilitation, as well as compliance rates, have been reported between male and female cardiac patients. This study explored the use of Phase I and Phase II cardiac rehabilitation programs by male and female patients. In particular, the study aimed to investigate the relationship between eligibility and subsequent referral to Phase II cardiac rehabilitation in both men and women, as well as their compliance rates in completing Phase II. In addition, for those patients who never started a Phase II program, their reasons for nonparticipation were explored. Structured patient interviews and chart audits were used to explore cardiac rehabilitation eligibility criteria, referral and completion rates. The sample consisted of 87 patients (46 women and 41 men) who were admitted with a medical diagnosis of angina, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, or valve replacement surgery. Men had higher eligibility rates for Phase I, whereas women had higher eligibility rates for Phase II; more men received a referral for Phase II from their physician than women did. Men had a higher completion rate with Phase II compared with women. For those patients who chose not to start a Phase II program, the most common reasons cited included transportation problems, insurance issues, and having exercise equipment at home. Although women are being referred for cardiac rehabilitation, fewer complete the programs. Continued education is essential to teach women the importance of cardiac rehabilitation to overall recovery and adaptation to an acute cardiac event. In addition, cardiac rehabilitation programs must be structured to meet the unique needs of women and thereby remove obstacles that have prevented higher participation rates by women in the past.