Restrictions on participating in cardiac rehabilitation

Only 10% to 20% of people who are eligible for cardiac rehab participate in structured programs.¹

This low rate of participation is influenced by lack of doctor referrals, lack of insurance coverage, unavailability of programs, and unwillingness of people to modify their lifestyles. In addition, your doctor may not refer you to a cardiac rehab program because you may be at risk for exercise-related complications. Health reasons for not joining a rehab program include:

• Unstable angina.
• Elevated resting blood pressure.
• Uncontrolled arrhythmias.
• Uncontrolled diabetes.
• Other high-risk heart conditions.

On the other hand, your doctor may feel that your risks are so low that a full recovery from your heart problems will be possible without a supervised rehab program. Even if your doctor does not give you a referral because of your low risk, you may still choose to join a rehab program. However, the lack of referral may make it harder to get financial assistance from your health insurance company. Ask your doctor for a referral if you have experienced any heart problems or if you are at high risk for future heart problems. If your doctor believes it will be beneficial, he or she will support your interest in joining a cardiac rehab program and will give you a referral.