Role of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Improving Outcomes after Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial Infarction (MI) an integral part of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) occurs due to Atherosclerotic narrowing of the Coronary blood vessels. ACS being one of the major cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has led to a significant amount of mortality & morbidity. The post-myocardial infarction period greatly impacted the physical; psychological; social; emotional; and occupational well-being. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) helps by addressing these immediate effects & also improves long-term well-being and overall quality of life. The benefits of CR include enhanced exercise capacity, risk factor reduction, improved quality of life (QOL), and reduced mortality and hospital readmission. We used a systematic literature review (SLR) approach in his article to provide a global overview of the cutting edge offered by CR in the post-MI phase. We reviewed 33 articles from journals of good repute published between 2013 and August 15, 2023, focusing on six selected papers for in-depth analysis. The analysis was focused on factors such as positive outcomes of CR, and the effects of CR in post-myocardial infarction. Even though there is a lack of statistically significant evidence for the benefits of CR; Meta-analyses confirm its positive impact on cardiovascular outcomes, such as decreased mortality, cardiac events, and hospital Readmissions. There is still a need for ongoing research to enhance the understanding of its mechanisms and statistically prove its effectiveness. As CR continues to evolve, referral and participation in CR should be increased as it improves overall health and well-being.