Current state of cardiac rehabilitation in Japan

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Increasing metabolic risk factors in Japan linked to westernized lifestyles.
• Growing concern over rising coronary heart disease (CHD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) incidence.
• Traditional inpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) model in Japan faces challenges for outpatient accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent trends in AMI incidence in Japan.
• To describe the current status and challenges of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) utilization in Japan.
• To highlight barriers to outpatient CR post-hospital discharge.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological studies on AMI incidence in Japan.
• Analysis of current CR facility criteria for reimbursement.
• Examination of data on outpatient CR participation rates.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests an increasing incidence of AMI in Japan.
• Strict criteria for CR facilities limit the availability of outpatient CR.
• Outpatient CR participation rates are estimated to be low, between 3.8% and 7.6%.

Conclusions:

• The rising incidence of AMI in Japan necessitates improved CR strategies.
• Current reimbursement criteria pose significant barriers to widespread outpatient CR.
• Enhancing outpatient CR accessibility is crucial for managing cardiovascular disease in Japan.