Cardiac Rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia: Current Status and Future Directions

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality in Saudi Arabia. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is one of the well-known interventions to control and minimize the burden of CVDs. Despite recommendations, CR utilization remains suboptimal in Saudi Arabia due to many reasons, including limited awareness, logistical barriers, shortage of specialized facilities and trained professionals, and perceptions about CVDs illness. This review is to evaluate the current status, effectiveness, accessibility, and challenges of CR utilization in Saudi Arabia, and to explore potential future directions for improving these services. The review addresses key questions regarding the incidence of CVDs, the characteristics of existing CR programs, barriers to CR access, and stakeholder perspectives.

Recent studies demonstrate that the effectiveness of CR, particularly exercise training, in improving outcomes for post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients is well-documented, though data on its impact on other cardiac conditions is limited. There are significant barriers to CR utilization in Saudi Arabia, including limited awareness, logistical challenges, a shortage of specialized facilities and trained professionals, and cultural perceptions about CVD. Stakeholder perspectives highlight the necessity for culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches, particularly in addressing gender-specific needs and enhancing patient-provider communication. The Saudi Vision 2030 presents opportunities to expand and enhance CR services in alignment with international standards.

This review found that while CR is a crucial intervention for managing CVDs, its utilization in Saudi Arabia is suboptimal due to various barriers. To improve CR access and effectiveness, future strategies should focus on increasing public and professional awareness, developing infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and fostering public-private partnerships. These measures are essential to making CR more accessible and tailored to the diverse needs of the Saudi population, ultimately enhancing the quality of cardiovascular care and patient outcomes in the region.