The long-term effectiveness of a hospital-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase II Program in the Rocky Mountain region was evaluated using a comparative descriptive design. Outcomes included hospital readmission, coronary risk factors (weight; exercise; smoking cessation), and quality of life. The study sample (N = 114) included 72% males between the ages of 40 years through 90 years (M = 68 years) who were hospitalized one-to-two years previously with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The groups were formed by self-selection: CRII (n = 76) and Non-CR (n = 38). Data Collection included hospital medical records and self-report surveys. The SF - 12 Questionnaire (Version 1) was used to collect quality of life information, and a survey designed by the investigator (Cardiac Rehabilitation Outcome Questionnaire), was used to collect coronary risk factor, demographic, and clinical data. Main outcomes were evaluated using chi-square analysis, ANOVA, paired t - test, Fisher exact, and the Mann-Whitney U Test. Findings showed that over the one-to-two year period following hospital discharge patients who participated in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase II Program were readmitted to the hospital less often than Non-CR patients (P < .019). Quality of life measurements did not differ significantly between the groups however; quality of life findings validated findings elsewhere in the literature. Quality of life scores significantly declined with increased age (P < .01) and physical quality of life scores were significantly higher for subjects with higher income (P < .05) and educational levels (P < .05). Marital status was related to higher mental health scores (P < .01). Both groups demonstrated weight loss; however weight reduction was statistically significant only for Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase II subjects (P < .001). Of the total sample 68% adhered to the prescribed aerobic exercise regime and a 58% quit rate for smokers was observed one-to-two years following discharge. The study concluded that referring patients to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase II Program following discharge is especially beneficial based on the significant reduction in hospital readmission and the significant long-term weight reduction findings observed. Implications for practitioners, third-party payers, and researchers are suggested.