Patient-informed insights among women in cardiac rehabilitation across Canada: Is it time to pay more attention to age?

Marianne Clark; Olivia Moller; Karen Bouchard; Chris Shields; Carley D. O’Neil

doi:10.2478/advrehab-2026-0011

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Patient-informed insights among women in cardiac rehabilitation across Canada: Is it time to pay more attention to age?

Advances in Rehabilitation

Volume 40 (2026): Issue 2 (June 2026)

By: Marianne Clark , Olivia Moller , Karen Bouchard , Chris Shields and Carley D. O’Neil

Open Access

|Jun 2026

Abstract

Background

Women with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are less likely to be referred to, enrol in, and adhere to a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme. The prevalence of CVD is increasing among younger adults (under 65 years).

Material and methods

Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with women with CVD across Canada to explore barriers to and preferences for attending CR. Using deductive thematic analysis, interview responses were reviewed, coded, and categorised into themes and subcategories according to age group.

Results

A total of 20 women (30% younger, 45% middle-aged and 25% older-aged) from 5 provinces in Canada participated in this study. Younger women reported feelings of isolation as the youngest in CR groups and peer/support groups, noting the absence of peers with similar experiences. Younger and middle-aged women noted barriers to asking age-relevant questions when surrounded by older participants, and a strong preference emerged for tailoring CR classes to participants of similar ages‥

Conclusions

To meet the needs of women recovering from cardiac events, CR programming should be sensitive to participants’ age, life-stage, and associated responsibilities.

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