Advancing Cardiac Rehabilitation: Effectiveness, Barriers, and Innovations (2020-2024)-A Systemic Review

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program to improve the physical, psychological, and social well-being of individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This literature review examines CR’s effectiveness, core components, barriers, and innovations based on studies published between 2020 and 2024. Research consistently demonstrates that CR significantly reduces mortality rates, enhances exercise capacity, and improves quality of life. Key components include structured exercise training, education on lifestyle modification, psychosocial support, and risk factor management. Despite its proven benefits, CR participation remains suboptimal due to barriers such as lack of awareness, financial constraints, and cultural factors. Recent advancements, including mobile health applications, telehealth, and virtual reality, show promise in enhancing accessibility and adherence to CR programs. Future research should focus on tailoring CR interventions for diverse populations and integrating mental health support into rehabilitation programs. Addressing these challenges and innovations is crucial to optimizing CR outcomes and reducing the global burden of CVD.