Cardiac rehabilitation after heart valve surgery.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for patients who have had heart valve surgery. Analysis of data shows that CR increases exercise capacity and quality of life, and facilitates return to work, with minimal risk of significant adverse effects. In spite of this, CR is vastly underused. Recommendations to improve this include an automatic referral system, liaison assistance to speak with inpatients about CR, and establishment of CR programs in areas that have poor access to the large hospital-based facilities. Components of CR for patients who have had heart valve surgery also are discussed in this review.