Review of best practice in cardiac rehabilitation for women

Authors

Osaimi Alosaimi, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, CanadaFollow
Angelica N. Reyes MScOT, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of AlbertaFollow
Cary A. Brown PhD, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of AlbertaFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Cardiovascular disease is defined as damage to, or narrowing of, arteries due to atherosclerosis and is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among women worldwide. Cardiovascular disease is recognized to be both a leading cause of mortality and an undertreated condition for women. The goals of this review manuscript are to present the current background literature specific to cardiac rehabilitation programs for women and serve as a knowledge translation strategy to help raise therapists’ awareness of the need for cardiac rehabilitation programs specifically designed for female patients. Methods: A review of best practice literature in cardiac rehabilitation for women. Results: With current increasing trends in risk factors, including stress, obesity, poor diet, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle, the future burden could be overwhelming from the perspective of individuals’ health and health authorities’ resources. Conclusions: Emerging research clearly demonstrates the need for cardiac rehabilitation programs tailored for women and highlighting the unique features of program delivery that can reduce the risk of under-referral and treatment program dropout.

Author Bio(s)

Osaimi Alosaimi, BPT, is a physiotherapist and MSc student with diverse experience in cardiac rehabilitation.

Angelica Reyes, MScOT is a clinical occupational therapist/researcher with experience in a range of patient populations, currently working in Edmonton, Alberta.

Cary Brown, PhD is a professor in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta

Acknowledgements

We would to acknowledge Osaimi Alosaimi's sponsors for supporting his advanced studies in cardiac rehabilitation

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2017.1686

Recommended Citation

Alosaimi O, Reyes AN, Brown CA. Review of best practice in cardiac rehabilitation for women. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2017 Jan 01;15(3), Article 8.