A new World Heart Federation (WHF) Roadmap proposes a broader, more adaptable model of cardiac rehabilitation designed to support people with cardiovascular disease over the long term.
Published in Nature Reviews Cardiology, the Roadmap argues that cardiac rehabilitation should be embedded more consistently within routine cardiovascular care, rather than treated as a time-limited program offered only after an acute event or procedure.1
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Although cardiac rehabilitation is associated with better quality of life, fewer hospital admissions, and improved clinical outcomes, participation remains low in many countries. Limited service availability, workforce shortages, poor referral pathways, and practical barriers for patients all contribute to uneven access.1,2
To address these gaps, the WHF identifies five main areas for action:
- extending rehabilitation across the life course
- improving engagement among patients and healthcare professionals
- increasing the use of flexible care models
- developing the rehabilitation workforce
- strengthening policy support and advocacy.1
The Roadmap places particular emphasis on adapting services to local needs. Alongside traditional center-based programs, it highlights the potential role of home-based, community, digital, and hybrid approaches. These models may help patients who face barriers related to travel, employment, caring responsibilities, or a lack of nearby services.
However, expanding delivery options will also require stronger systems around referral, follow-up, workforce training, funding, and evaluation. The authors therefore call for cardiac rehabilitation to be integrated more fully into health services, with clear standards and measures of quality.
The recommendations were informed by consultation with clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and people living with cardiovascular disease. Examples from different healthcare settings are included to illustrate how aspects of the proposed model can be applied in practice.1
The next step will be for countries and regions to develop implementation plans suited to their own health systems and populations. The WHF says progress should be assessed not only by whether more programs are created, but also by whether access, equity, and long-term outcomes improve.1,2
References
- Redfern J, Thomas RJ, Briffa T, et al. World Heart Federation Roadmap on cardiac rehabilitation: a pathway to lifelong cardiovascular health. Nat Rev Cardiol. Published online July 13, 2026.
- World Heart Federation. World Heart Federation launches new Roadmap to advance lifelong cardiovascular health. Published July 13, 2026. Available at: https://world-heart-federation.org/news/roadmap-cardiac-rehabilitation (accessed July 21, 2026).
Cite: WHF Roadmap on cardiac rehabilitation. touchCARDIO. July 21, 2026.
Disclosure: This content has been developed independently by Touch Medical Media for touchCARDIO, utilizing AI as an editorial tool (Claude (Sonnet 5) [Large language model] https://claude.ai). No funding was received in the publication of this article.
Editor: Nicola Cartridge, Director of Content
