The Role of Cardiac Rehabilitation After Myocardial Infarction, Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery, and in Other Cardiac Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

The high prevalence of coronary artery disease and the persistently high rates of mortality and morbidity in patients following ischemic events, despite advancements in treatment protocols underscores the urgent need to implement innovative approaches that can improve patient outcomes, particularly by encouraging sustainable lifestyle changes. Cardiac rehabilitation represents a highly effective, evidence-based strategy with the potential to address these challenges; however, it remains significantly underutilized. For these reasons, we are particularly interested in exploring and advancing the role of cardiac rehabilitation in patient care.

Indeed, many studies have shown that cardiac rehabilitation significantly improves patient outcomes. Yet, only the guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the European Society of Cardiology include cardiac rehabilitation as part of their protocols. The European guidelines advocate for initiating rehabilitation early, while the patient is still hospitalized, whereas the American guidelines recommend starting therapy approximately three weeks post-discharge. Despite its proven benefits, cardiac rehabilitation remains underutilized, largely because many patients are unaware of it, and because healthcare professionals often lack the knowledge, expertise, interest, or resources to promote and implement it effectively within hospital settings.

The aim of our Special Issue is to compile a diverse array of original research papers, meta-analyses, and comprehensive reviews that delve into the beneficial impacts of cardiac rehabilitation for patients recovering from myocardial infarction.

We seek to highlight studies that demonstrate improvements in functional recovery, quality of life, and long-term cardiovascular health. Additionally, this Special Issue will explore the molecular pathways underlying the therapeutic effects of cardiac rehabilitation, shedding light on mechanisms such as inflammation modulation, endothelial function improvement, and myocardial remodeling. By addressing both clinical and molecular perspectives, this Special Issue aims to provide a holistic view of cardiac rehabilitation's role in myocardial infarction recovery, as well as to identify potential avenues for optimizing and personalizing rehabilitation protocols for enhanced patient outcomes.

Dr. Aneta Aleksova
Dr. Milijana Janjušević
Guest Editors

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• cardiac rehabilitation

• coronary artery disease

• myocardial infarction

• coronary artery bypass surgery

• heart failure

• ventricular assist device

• heart transplantation

• cardiomyopathies

• cardiac remodeling

• illness perception

• treatment adherence

• gender difference

• biomarkers

• endothelial function