Story perspectives

Couples in Cardiac Rehab: 77% Improve Heart Health Together

12/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

A review in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that 77% of 1,444 cardiac patients improved heart health behaviors when their intimate partners joined rehabilitation programs.
Heather Tulloch, lead researcher, emphasized the need to nurture relationships alongside treating heart conditions.
The study notes a lack of data on how these couples-based programs affect relationship quality.
Researchers should conduct further studies to develop effective couples-based interventions for heart disease management.

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Story summary

A review in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that 77% of 1,444 cardiac patients improved heart health behaviors when their intimate partners joined rehabilitation programs.
Heather Tulloch, lead researcher, emphasized the need to nurture relationships alongside treating heart conditions.
The study notes a lack of data on how these couples-based programs affect relationship quality.
Researchers should conduct further studies to develop effective couples-based interventions for heart disease management.