Fact Sheet on Cardiac Rehabilitation for Cardiovascular Disease in South Korea

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, significantly impacting cardiopulmonary function.
• Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a vital, evidence-based intervention proven to restore cardiopulmonary function and enhance physical and social well-being in patients with CVD.
• Despite global recognition and implementation, CR remains underutilized in Korea, despite its proven efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the current landscape of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in Korea.
• To outline the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Korean population.
• To review clinical practice guidelines for CR programs and identify barriers to their implementation in Korea.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of existing literature and data on CVD prevalence in Korea.
• Analysis of current clinical practice guidelines for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs.
• Identification and discussion of challenges hindering the widespread adoption and utilization of CR in Korea.

Main Results:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) presents a significant public health challenge in Korea, contributing to mortality and affecting cardiopulmonary health.
• Established clinical guidelines support the implementation of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs.
• Significant underutilization of proven CR programs is observed in Korea, indicating a gap between evidence and practice.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) offers substantial benefits for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), improving both clinical outcomes and quality of life.
• Addressing the underutilization of CR in Korea is crucial for mitigating the impact of CVD.
• Further efforts are needed to overcome implementation challenges and promote wider access to CR services in Korea.