Despite the documented benefits of cardiac rehabilitation — which can lower the chances of dying from cardiovascular disease — women are far less likely than men to participate in such programs, according to a scientific statement published online by the American Heart Association (AHA) on October 14, 2025 by the journal Circulation.

Typically prescribed after a heart attack, heart surgery or other major cardiovascular problems, cardiac rehabilitation combines elements such as aerobic training, strength training and nutritional guidance. People who participate often reap benefits such as lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels; greater fitness; and fewer hospital readmissions, the AHA said. Women who participate in cardiac rehabilitation reduce their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease even more than men do.

But despite its effectiveness, women’s cardiac rehabilitation enrollment rates are 36% lower than men’s. Women who participate in such programs also tend to be older than men and have several additional conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure or cholesterol, and diabetes. Many cardiac rehabilitation programs are also not tailored to potential barriers to access that more often affect women, including caregiving responsibilities, transportation challenges, scheduling conflicts, financial constraints, and limited social support. Providers should take steps to reduce these barriers, and women with CVD should be proactive in seeking cardiac rehab, the AHA said.

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