Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a costeffective chronic disease management program, with established benefits in reducing cardiovascular risk factors and increasing health-related quality of life. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where the epidemic of heart disease is at its worst, few studies have been conducted on the availability and nature of CR service delivery. This study aims to assess CR program characteristics and identify barriers to CR delivery. CR programs will be identified through national societies (CR, cardiology and physical medicine & rehabilitation), champions in the CR field, continental associations of the World Health Organization and World Heart Federation or google search. A confidential survey will be administered to identified programs in these regions. By administering a common survey, there will be a better understanding of secondary prevention delivery throughout LMICs. Findings of this study will help identify areas of CR that can be improved in the effort to reduce the high death rates and economic burden placed on health systems by heart disease. This information will be useful for health policy-makers, health services researchers and international organizations in promoting the availability and quality of CR in LMICs.