Remote cardiac rehabilitation services and the digital divide: implications for elderly populations during the COVID19 pandemic

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality particularly in elderly populations. In developed countries, such as the USA, Europe, and Australia, the combined prevalence of CVD in those over 75 years of age is >50% for conditions, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke.1 Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a complex intervention offered to patients diagnosed with CVD. These outpatient programmes aim to reduce the risk of a recurrent event and, whilst significant variations exist, may include health education, cardiovascular (CV) risk reduction, physical activity, and stress management advice.2 Cardiac rehabilitation can be a powerful tool, reducing cardiovascular mortality and hospital readmissions and improving exercise capacity, quality of life, and psychological well-being.3