A comprehensive review of 107 trials involving 26,886 adults with coronary heart disease shows exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduces health risks, lowers heart attack incidence, and decreases hospital admissions.

Specific findings indicate a 28% reduction in heart attacks and a 35% drop in hospital admissions among participants, reinforcing the effectiveness of exercise-based rehab.

The Cochrane Review update confirms substantial benefits of exercise-based cardiac rehab for coronary heart disease, including lower cardiovascular events, potential mortality risk reductions, improved hospital utilization, and better quality of life.

Commentators emphasize that cardiac rehabilitation is inexpensive and cost-effective, with potential to broaden access via home- and digital-delivery while preserving safety and recovery benefits.

Despite clear benefits, the program remains underfunded and underprioritized, prompting calls to broaden access and support for home-based cardiac rehabilitation.

Digital, home-based exercise programs are as effective as traditional in-person sessions, suggesting digital delivery can match centre-based rehabilitation outcomes.

Across diverse populations, including low- and middle-income groups, home-based digital programs and center-based rehab both show meaningful, comparable benefits.

The review improves generalizability by including more women and participants from low- and middle-income countries, and by assessing home-based and digital programs alongside center-based rehab.

Experts urge integrating exercise-based rehab into standard CHD care, noting digital and home-based formats can reach patients unable to attend traditional services.

Context compares findings with the 2021 Cochrane review and highlights broader evidence supporting rehab, including potential benefits for atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

While some outcomes have limitations due to trial numbers, overall evidence supports wider implementation and funding for exercise-based rehab.

New trials, including nearly 3,500 participants from low- and middle-income countries, reinforce the effectiveness of home-based rehabilitation.