Never Too Old for Cardiac Rehabilitation

Clin Geriatr Med. 2019 Nov;35(4):407-421. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2019.07.001. Epub 2019 Jul 2.

Abstract

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases with age and is endemic in the burgeoning population of older adults. Older adults with CVD are susceptible not only to high mortality but also to increased likelihood of disability, dependency, functional decline, and poor quality of life. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a multidimensional and comprehensive treatment program that can potentially address many of the distinctive challenges of older adults with CVD. In this review, the wide range of potential benefits of CR for older adults with CVD is summarized.

Keywords: Cardiac rehabilitation; Cardiorespiratory fitness; Cardiovascular disease; Exercise; Older adult.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation / methods*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy*
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physical Fitness / physiology
  • Quality of Life*