A newly published health-care review has identified significant gaps in cardiac rehabilitation services across British Columbia and Yukon, raising concerns about access to comprehensive recovery programs for heart patients.

The province-wide environmental scan found that only 47% of cardiac rehabilitation programs offer all six core components recommended by the Canadian Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation.

Cardiac rehabilitation can play an important role in helping patients recover following cardiovascular events while supporting exercise, risk-factor management, education and long-term heart health.

The findings highlight differences in how rehabilitation services are delivered and point to opportunities to strengthen access to comprehensive programs across the region.

Health-care experts continue to emphasize the importance of accessible cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation, particularly as health systems face growing demand for chronic-disease care.

The study adds to wider discussions about improving continuity of care and rehabilitation access within Canada's publicly funded health-care system.