The effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation programs in females following acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

The incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) is increasing yearly as well as the concurrent morbidity (ie, disability) and mortality resulting from these events. While cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) have shown success in reducing risk factors for secondary events, the majority of these successes have been reported in males. Whether or not the same outcomes occur for female MI patients as a result of CRP has not been adequately addressed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the literature in an attempt to determine if current CRP are equally effective for both genders. Methodology: A systematic review of the literature was performed in order to evaluate the data on the outcome of CRP between genders during the time frame of 1986-2006. Articles included were related to female inclusion in CRP and the resulting effectiveness in CRP outcomes. Results: Twenty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. Based on the literature, CRP are not as effective for females. Conclusion: While the incidence of myocardial infarction is increasing dramatically in females, CRP still fail to understand and address the multidimensional differences between males and females in terms of responding to and adhering to CRP. In addition, clinical profiles vary from females in that females present at an older age with more comorbidities. As a result, this review hopes to shed more light on the need for CRP more specifically designed to meet the needs of females.