A gender gap in cardiac rehab care

Fewer women are referred, utilized or complete cardiac rehabilitation, despite seeing equal benefits as men, a recent scientific statement found.

The statement, published Oct. 14 in Circulation, outlines some of the barriers that are preventing women from receiving the same benefits from cardiac rehabilitation and recommends changing referral processes.

Here is what to know:

1. Cardiac rehabilitation can significantly improve short and long-term recovery after a cardiac event. People who participate in the program are less likely to be readmitted to the hospital, have lower risk of future heart attack, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improved overall quality of life.

2. However, fewer women participate in cardiac rehabilitation than men, despite receiving the same level of benefits. Women are also less likely to complete rehab when they do participate.

3. The reasons behind low participation vary. Women receiving lower referral rates due to their diagnoses or, in part, due to clinician bias, according to the report. Women also may struggle with insurance coverage, transportation, social isolation and are often caregivers, which could be a barrier to enrollment.

4. Addressing these barriers starts with increasing referrals for women. The statement recommends introducing an automatic referral process and facilitating enrollment through a case manager.