World Heart Federation launches new Roadmap to advance lifelong cardiovascular health
The World Heart Federation (WHF) has launched its new Roadmap on Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Pathway to Lifelong Cardiovascular Health, setting out a bold vision to transform cardiovascular rehabilitation into a lifelong, person-centred approach to cardiovascular care.
Despite overwhelming evidence that cardiovascular rehabilitation improves survival, quality of life, and reduces hospital readmissions, access to these services remains limited worldwide. The new Roadmap calls for a shift beyond traditional, time-limited rehabilitation programs towards comprehensive cardiovascular health programs that support people throughout their lifelong journey with cardiovascular disease.
Developed through extensive global consultation with leading experts, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and people with lived experience, the Roadmap identifies five priority areas for action:
- Prioritise lifelong cardiovascular health.
- Strengthen patient and clinician engagement.
- Expand flexible models of care.
- Build workforce capacity.
- Advance advocacy and supportive policy.
Building on these recommendations, the accompanying implementation paper provides practical strategies to help countries, health systems, and cardiovascular health programs translate the Roadmap into action. It highlights adaptable approaches for diverse healthcare settings, including innovative models of care, workforce development, quality improvement, and policy initiatives that can improve access and equity across the continuum of cardiovascular care.
The Roadmap reinforces WHF’s commitment to reducing the global burden of cardiovascular disease by promoting equitable, accessible, and sustainable cardiovascular health services. By supporting implementation across diverse settings, it aims to improve lifelong cardiovascular outcomes for millions of people living with, or at risk of, cardiovascular disease worldwide.
The World Heart Federation encourages healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and patient organisations to explore the Roadmap and work together to embed lifelong cardiovascular health into routine care, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live longer and healthier lives.