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Updated: May 2, 2026
A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
Cardiac rehabilitation in Europe
Reed Humphrey1, Marco Guazzi2, Josef Niebauer3
1School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT; Institute of Sports Medicine, Prevention and Rehabilitation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in Europe. Despite declining mortality, stable hospitalizations increase the need for cardiac rehabilitation (CR), though participation remains low.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality for men and women in Europe.
- While CVD mortality rates are decreasing, hospital discharge rates have remained constant, increasing the number of patients needing cardiac rehabilitation (CR).
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs have been established across Europe since the 1970s, with most countries offering Phase I-III programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of cardiac rehabilitation in Europe.
- To identify challenges and opportunities for future research and practice in CR.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing cardiac rehabilitation practices and evidence in Europe.
- Analysis of participation rates and funding models for CR programs.
Main Results:
- Cardiac rehabilitation is practiced based on available evidence, but participation rates are low, ranging from 30-50% of eligible patients.
- Funding for CR varies, including patient payments, private insurance, and governmental subsidies.
- Challenges include low participation rates and the need for better long-term outcome assessment and primary prevention integration.
Conclusions:
- Improving CR participation rates is crucial for managing the growing pool of CVD patients.
- Future research should focus on long-term CR outcomes and enhancing primary prevention strategies.
- Addressing funding and accessibility barriers is essential for expanding CR services in Europe.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the main cause of death for men in most European countries, and in all for women. While mortality rates have been declining in most countries, hospital discharge for CVD has been stable since 2004, increasing the pool of patients eligible for cardiac rehabilitation (CR). The physical rehabilitation of patients with CVD has been practiced in Europe to varying degrees since the early 1970s with most countries now engaged in Phase I through Phase III programs. Funding for CR comes from a variety of sources including patient pay, private insurance, retirement and/or obligatory and governmental subsidy. CR is practiced based on best available evidence but participation rates range between 30-50% of eligible patients. Participation rates present one of several challenges and opportunities for future research in Europe, along with assessment of long-term CR outcomes and better extension to primary prevention.
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