Authors

  1. Varghese , Merilyn S.
  2. Wu , Wen-Chih
  3. Drwal , Kariann R.
  4. Burg , Matthew M.
  5. Kazi , Dhruv S.
  6. Gaffey , Allison E.
  7. Mattocks , Kristin M.
  8. Brandt , Cynthia A.
  9. Bastian , Lori A.
  10. Gandhi , Parul U.

Abstract

Veterans have 3 potential options for attending CR: in-person at their local VA medical centers, home-based CR through their local VA medical centers, and in-person at community CR centers. However, participation remains low. A significant barrier to participation is transportation to in-person CR. Home-based CR shows promise in addressing this barrier and has demonstrated resilience in the face of pandemic restrictions. Cardiac rehabilitation outcomes among Veterans who participate include improved exercise capacity, fewer depressive symptoms, and decreased mortality. Despite its benefits for secondary prevention among Veterans, there remains a paucity of data about the current uptake of CR, the impact of mental health on uptake, possible sex-based or racial disparities, and long-term outcomes.