Cardiac rehabilitation improves prognosis among patients with co-existing cancer and cardiovascular diseases

Physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) (a measure of habitual aerobic physical activity) are related to a lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). [ 1 Laukkanen J.A. Kurl S. Khan H. Kunutsor S.K. Percentage of age-predicted cardiorespiratory fitness and risk of sudden cardiac death: a prospective cohort study. Heart Rhythm. 2021; 18: 1171-1177 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1) Google Scholar , 2 Laukkanen J.A. Kunutsor S.K. A potential case for the routine assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness level in clinical practice. Int. J. Cardiol. 2020; 310: 145-146 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar , 3 Laukkanen J.A. Kunutsor S.K. Yates T. Willeit P. Kujala U.M. Khan H. et al. Prognostic relevance of cardiorespiratory fitness as assessed by submaximal exercise testing for all-cause mortality: a UK biobank prospective study. Mayo Clin. Proc. 2020; 95: 867-878 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (32) Google Scholar ] In addition to standard treatments, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended to improve recovery after a diagnosis of CVD. The effective delivery of a comprehensive programme is essential to ensure recovery after a CVD event. [ [4] Scherrenberg M. Zeymer U. Schneider S. Van der Velde A.E. Wilhelm M. Van't Hof A.W.J. et al. EU-CaRE study: could exercise-based cardiac telerehabilitation also be cost-effective in elderly?. Int. J. Cardiol. 2021; 340: 1-6 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar ] Secondary prevention of CVD through comprehensive CR has been recognized as one of the most cost-effective interventions in reducing cardiovascular mortality, morbidity and disability, and improving quality of life. [ [5] Ambrosetti M. Abreu A. Corra U. Davos C.H. Hansen D. Frederix I. et al. Secondary prevention through comprehensive cardiovascular rehabilitation: From knowledge to implementation. 2020 update. A position paper from the Secondary Prevention and Rehabilitation Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology. Eur. J. Prev. Cardiol. 2020; (2047487320913379 (Online ahead of print))https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487320913379 Crossref Scopus (213) Google Scholar ] The goal of comprehensive CR among elderly patients with CVD is to maintain an independent active life, improve wellbeing and the ability to move. Evidence-based CR should be a multidisciplinary intervention, with control of cardiovascular risk factors, vocational support, psychosocial management, and the prescription of endurance, interval and strength exercise. [ [6] Laukkanen J.A. Cardiac rehabilitation in the modern interventional cardiology era. Eur. J. Prev. Cardiol. 2020; 27: 1713-1715 Crossref PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar ]