Cardiac prehabilitation: Is there a role in cardiac surgery

Abstract

Background

Cardiac surgery presents significant perioperative risks, particularly for high-risk populations such as elderly and frail patients. Prehabilitation, a preoperative strategy focusing on patient optimization, has emerged as a promising intervention to enhance recovery and reduce complications.

Objectives

This review explores the evidence supporting prehabilitation programs, which integrate exercise, nutritional optimization, psychological support, and patient education to improve cardiac surgical outcomes.

Methods

A review of current literature highlights the benefits, challenges, and emerging multidisciplinary approaches in cardiac prehabilitation, including inspiratory muscle training and tailored nutritional support.

Results

While prehabilitation is well-established in other surgical specialties, its implementation in cardiac surgery remains limited due to protocol heterogeneity, time constraints, and patient-specific factors. Early data suggest improved recovery, reduced hospital stays, and better perioperative outcomes.

Conclusions

Standardized prehabilitation protocols and additional research are necessary to improve patient selection, increase adherence, and assess long-term effects. With around one million cardiac surgeries conducted worldwide annually, incorporating structured prehabilitation programs may enhance patient outcomes and refine perioperative care.