[Links between perceptions of cardiovascular disease and participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs: an

Sarah Pakzad1, Yannick Charette2, Paul Bourque2

  • 1Univesité de Moncton Nouveau Bruswick. sarah.pakzad@umoncton.ca

Insights

Higher education levels, increased HDL cholesterol, and anxiety predict participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRPs). Illness perception did not influence CRP enrollment for cardiovascular patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRPs) offer significant benefits for patients with heart conditions.
  • Despite benefits, CRP participation rates remain low, ranging from 21% to 41%.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify modifiable and non-modifiable cardiovascular risk factors influencing CRP participation.
  • To explore the role of illness perceptions in patient enrollment for cardiac rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

  • An exploratory, quantitative study was conducted.
  • Thirty individuals diagnosed with cardiovascular disease were recruited as participants.

Main Results:

  • Higher educational attainment was found to predict CRP participation.
  • Elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and increased anxiety were associated with higher enrollment in CRPs.
  • Perception of illness did not demonstrate a significant association with CRP participation.

Conclusions:

  • Educational level, HDL cholesterol, and anxiety are key predictors of CRP engagement.
  • Understanding these factors can inform strategies to improve cardiac rehabilitation uptake.
  • Further research is needed to explore the implications of these findings for clinical practice.
Abstract

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