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Definition of Cardiac rehabilitation
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Cardiac rehabilitation: A program for people with heart disease designed to reduce future heart risks. Cardiac rehabilitation usually consists of nutritional counseling; management of lipid levels, hypertension, weight, and diabetes; smoking cessation; psychosocial interventions; physical activity counseling; and exercise training. Cardiac rehabilitation reduces the risks of subsequent heart attacks and death from other causes. Cardiac rehabilitation is safe and beneficial when patients are evaluated and selected for it. Contraindications for cardiac rehabilitation include unstable angina, serious arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, previous cardiac arrest during exercise, and extremely low activity level.