Cardiovascular and Risk Factor Outcomes for Ethnic Minorities From Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is crucial for cardiovascular disease management.
• Ethnic minorities often experience disparities in cardiovascular health outcomes.
• Understanding CR benefits in diverse populations is essential for equitable care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of CR for ethnic minorities concerning cardiovascular risk factors.
• To compare CR outcomes between ethnic minority and majority groups.
• To evaluate CR's impact on mortality and morbidity in ethnic minorities.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major electronic databases until September 2023.
• Meta-analyses were performed for pooled data using random effects models.
• Non-pooled data were synthesized through narrative reporting.

Main Results:

• Thirteen studies involving 132,109 participants (8% ethnic minorities) were analyzed.
• Ethnic minorities showed equivalent improvements in systolic blood pressure and exercise capacity compared to majority groups.
• Ethnic minorities had less improvement in body mass index and waist circumference, with a higher risk of hospitalization.

Conclusions:

• CR provides significant and comparable benefits for ethnic minorities regarding several cardiovascular risk factors.
• While CR is beneficial, tailored interventions may be needed to address adiposity and exercise capacity in ethnic minority populations.
• Cardiac rehabilitation should be actively promoted to reduce cardiovascular disparities.