The ESC has recently published comprehensive guidance on the indications for CR and the management of patients in CR programmes. It covers key aspects such as infrastructure requirements, staff composition, core components, delivery methods, care goal setting, and outcome assessments. The guidelines are available here.
How does Ireland fare in Cardiac Rehab? Latest findings from ICCPR Global CR’s Global Cardiac Rehab Audit Update 2025:
Core components: 8/10 global; 8 in Ireland
Risk Factors Assessed: 11/program globally; 10 in Ireland
~ 3 hours education/program; lower than 2016
Fewer program resources to deliver comprehensive care in lower-resource settings, plus lower availability of administrative office and group education space since 2016
Access the full publication: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1005151
How does Ireland fare in Cardiac Rehab? Latest findings from Global Cardiac Rehab Audit Update 2025:
Staff: ~7 multidisciplinary members globally; 5 in Ireland
Patients: heart attack, stent, and bypass surgery are consistently accepted, as per guidelines; increasingly heart failure as well. Appropriate variation by context
Dose: ~20 hours/program globally (2 sessions/week x 8 weeks), 16 hours in Ireland
1 in 4 countries still deliver too few cardiac rehab sessions – funding issues?
Full paper is available here
IACR are pleased to share the updated IACR Guidelines for Cardiac Rehabilitation (2025).
At its core, this document offers a clear, step‑by‑step guide to the essential components of modern CR, detailing how each should be delivered and the standards required throughout the programme. When fully adopted, CR programmes will align with best international standards and ensure the consistent delivery of high‑quality CR. Access the newly released guidelines here.
In-person delivery of CR-PR is the most evidence-based model for delivering the service and remains the consensus recommendation for all eligible patients willing to attend. However participation in in-person CR programmes are not optimal, leading to a growing interest in alternative models to expand care delivery. Regardless of the delivery method, CR must include all core components listed in the most recent scientific statements and relevant guidelines from AACVPR. This consensus paper clarifies the minimal standards to be considered a CR-PR program utilizing a nontraditional delivery approach. Click here to access. Additional research is needed to identify best practices for delivering virtual and remote CR.
30th Annual Conference and AGM
Friday 7th of November
Venue – The Richmond Education and Event Centre
Registration 9am
Complimentary Access for IACR members
Non Members 60 Euro
The European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions has provided a clear description of cardiac telerehabilitation as well as minimal standards and core components to ensure the high quality of cardiac telerehabilitation in Europe. The goal of developing CTR programmes is not to replace centre-based CR but to offer an alternative or complement to current standard care. The statement can be accessed here
Every beat of the human heart carries life, rhythm and stability. But what happens when that rhythm falters? Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a condition that disrupts this delicate balance,complications such as stroke and heart failure. Despite its growing prevalence, AFib remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood, often lurking silently before making its presence known. About one-third of people with AFib don’t know they have it, which is why it is important to become familiar with the risk factors and follow up with your physician as needed. Paari Dominic, MBBS, MPH, a cardiac electrophysiologist and associate professor of internal and cardiovascular medicine at University of Iowa Health Care, discuss’ AFib and what patients need to know. Click here to access the webpage.
An update on clinical considerations for competitive sports participation for athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities. The full paper is available here.
For those with coronary artery disease – exercise training, especially in-person sessions, was associated with improved health related quality of life , reduced depression and anxiety, independently of exercise type. The full paper can be accessed here.