Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs Show Reductions in Cardiac Mortality

March 13, 2003

OTTAWA - Cardiac rehabilitation programs that include exercise have beneficial effects on cardiac mortality, a report released today by the Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment has concluded. The report was produced in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Cardiac rehabilitation programs are used to enhance recovery and also to prevent future cardiac events in patients with coronary artery disease. Rehabilitation programs are either based on exercise-only interventions, or can consist of a "comprehensive care" approach that includes psychological interventions and education in managing risk factors, as well as training in physical exercise.

The report concludes that cardiac rehabilitation programs that include exercise have beneficial effects on cardiac mortality. The effect on total mortality is more complex. The report found that programs that involved exercise-only interventions showed a reduction in total mortality, whereas programs that involved comprehensive care showed a trend in that direction. The report also concludes that rehabilitation programs that include exercise are cost-effective and may reduce costs to health care systems, particularly over the long term.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Canada; over 50% of cardiovascular deaths are due to coronary artery disease. Cardiovascular disease also accounts for billions of dollars spent in Canada's healthcare system each year and billions of dollars in lost productivity.

For further information contact Kirk Fergusson: 613 226-2553 ext. 276