Few Women Participate in Cardiac Rehabilitation, Despite a Slew of Benefits

Fewer than 20% of women take part in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs, which is one of the most proven ways to recover and prevent another heart event

Women who complete cardiac rehab lower their risk of hospitalization by up to 42% and reduce their risk of death from heart disease by as much as 58%, gaining both longer life and better quality of life

Referral bias is a major reason for low participation — women are referred for cardiac rehab less often than men, and rates are even lower among Black, Hispanic, and Asian women, where participation averages just 10% to 12%

Automatic referrals, flexible scheduling, home-based or hybrid options, and women-only programs are powerful, research-backed strategies that dramatically increase enrollment and completion rates

Cardiac rehab isn't just exercise — it's a personalized recovery plan that rebuilds heart strength, lowers stress, and restores confidence, giving women a structured way to take back control of their health and their future