Greater Improvements in Health-Related Quality of Life Following Cardiac Rehabilitation Among Women and Ethnic-Minority Patients.

Abstract

Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a cornerstone of secondary prevention following cardiovascular events; however, variability in its benefits across sociodemographic groups remains incompletely understood. Objective To evaluate differences in changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following CR across sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Methods In this prospective study, 464 consecutive patients participating in a CR program were assessed. Using the Short-Form Survey-12 questionnaire, HRQoL was evaluated at baseline and upon program completion. Functional capacity (six-minute walk test and exercise cardiac stress test), clinical characteristics, and adherence rates were analyzed across subgroups defined by gender, ethnicity, and timing of CR initiation. Results Significant improvements in both physical and mental HRQoL outcomes were associated with participation in CR (P Conclusions Women and ethnic-minority patients derive substantial HRQoL benefits from CR despite lower baseline status, yet remain less engaged in rehabilitation programs. These findings highlight a critical gap in secondary prevention and underscore the need for targeted, equity-oriented strategies to improve participation and maximize outcomes in high-benefit populations.