Despite the proven effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation programs, fewer than half of heart attack survivors participate in these programs. Research shows that heart disease patients who participate in cardiac rehab are 47 percent less like to have a recurrent heart attack after two years. Other studies have found that cardiac rehab is linked to fewer hospital readmissions and longer life.Still, it remains an underused option for patients, whether they have heart failure, arrhythmias or another type of heart disease. But the benefits shouldnt be ignored.Cardiac rehab consistently shows decreased mortality and improved long-term outcomes, explains Leslie Cho, MD, co-section head of Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation at Cleveland Clinic.With that in mind, here are four reasons why cardiac rehab may help you live longer:
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