Here is a link to this new study of the benefits of Cardiac Rehab derived from following 12,169 cardiac patients. I've copied the Conclusion statement.
http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/whc/archive/evidence/06%20rehab/Prediction%20of%20prognosis%20by%20VO2%20in%20CR-Circ%202002.pdf
"Conclusions
Whether a cardiac patient is referred for rehabilitation after MI, CABG, or the onset of IHD (Ischemic Heart Disease or reduced blood supply), the most important single predictor of both cardiac and all-cause deaths is the V O2 peak (peak cardiorespiratory exercise) as measured by cardiorespiratory testing. Even a small exercise induced gain in aerobic power should thus make a major difference not only in functional capacity but also in survival prospects."
Here is a link to a discussion of this study published in the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) on 14 Feb, 2011:
http://pubs.ama-assn.org/media/2011a/0214.dtl#3
"Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and this is chiefly attributable to modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking, unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle," the authors write as background information in the article. "Cardiac rehabilitation offers a comprehensive approach to chronic disease management, by addressing these risk factors." Evidence demonstrates that, compared with usual care, cardiac rehabilitation reduces illness and death by about one-fourth over one to two years. However, an estimated 70 percent to 80 percent of eligible patients being treated for cardiac disease in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom do not receive cardiac rehabilitation after being discharged from the hospital. "
http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/whc/archive/evidence/06%20rehab/Prediction%20of%20prognosis%20by%20VO2%20in%20CR-Circ%202002.pdf
"Conclusions
Whether a cardiac patient is referred for rehabilitation after MI, CABG, or the onset of IHD (Ischemic Heart Disease or reduced blood supply), the most important single predictor of both cardiac and all-cause deaths is the V O2 peak (peak cardiorespiratory exercise) as measured by cardiorespiratory testing. Even a small exercise induced gain in aerobic power should thus make a major difference not only in functional capacity but also in survival prospects."
Here is a link to a discussion of this study published in the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) on 14 Feb, 2011:
http://pubs.ama-assn.org/media/2011a/0214.dtl#3
"Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and this is chiefly attributable to modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking, unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle," the authors write as background information in the article. "Cardiac rehabilitation offers a comprehensive approach to chronic disease management, by addressing these risk factors." Evidence demonstrates that, compared with usual care, cardiac rehabilitation reduces illness and death by about one-fourth over one to two years. However, an estimated 70 percent to 80 percent of eligible patients being treated for cardiac disease in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom do not receive cardiac rehabilitation after being discharged from the hospital. "
