Predictors of Cardiac Rehabilitation Initiation and Adherence in a Multiracial Urban Population.

Background: Lack of initiation and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains a persistent problem. We sought to examine predictors of initiation, adherence, and completion of CR in a unique, minority predominant, urban population.

Methods: We included all patients who were first-time referred to the outpatient CR program at Montefiore Medical Center between 1997 and 2010.

Racial disparities in cardiac rehabilitation initiation and the effect on survival.

Objectives: To examine predictors of initiation and adherence, identify racial disparities, and compare the survival benefit of cardiac rehabilitation between a white and a unique predominantly non-white minority in an urban environment.

Design: A retrospective cohort study.

Setting: The outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York.