Abstract
Thirteen studies with a total of 132 109 participants (10 494 from ethnic minorities [8% of total participants]) were included. Patients from ethnic minority groups made improvements in several outcomes post-CR. These outcomes were equivalent to majority groups for systolic BP (Mean Difference [MD] = −0.69: 95% CI, −1.62 to 0.24 mmHg), maximal exercise capacity (MD = −0.10: 95% CI, −0.63 to 0.44 metabolic equivalents of task), total cholesterol (MD = 0.16: 95% CI, −0.01 to 0.33 mmol/L), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = 0.25: 95% CI, −0.04 to 0.54 mmol/L). However, ethnic minorities achieved less improvements than the majority for body mass index (MD = −0.31: 95% CI, −0.47 to −0.14 kg/m2) and waist circumference (MD = −1.50: 95% CI, −2.33 to −0.68 cm). Narrative synthesis indicated equivalent outcomes for minorities for all-cause mortality and mean cholesterol, with worse risk of hospitalization at 1 year. Patients from ethnic minorities attending CR achieve equivalent benefits to majority counterparts for multiple risk factors and potentially mortality and morbidity, therefore CR should be strongly promoted. Individual tailoring may be needed to address adiposity and exercise capacity.