Canadian researchers have found that involving partners in cardiac rehabilitation programs significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment. The study showed that support from loved ones helps patients better adhere to a healthy lifestyle.

What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a comprehensive recovery program designed for people who have experienced cardiovascular diseases. Its goal is to improve the quality and length of patients’ lives, as well as to reduce the risk of future complications.

The partner’s role in the recovery process

Traditionally, cardiac care focuses on the patient’s physical and psychological condition. However, numerous studies indicate that the quality of close relationships plays an important role in recovery after cardiovascular events. For this reason, couple-based rehabilitation programs have been developed, encouraging both partners to make lifestyle changes, follow a healthy diet, and engage in physical activity together.

Stress and conflict within a couple can increase blood pressure, cortisol levels, and inflammation markers. At the same time, partner support is crucial for developing healthy habits and maintaining routines. Despite the proven connection, systematic involvement of partners in treatment is not yet standard practice and still raises questions among specialists.

Findings from the Canadian study

Researchers in Canada analyzed the effectiveness of couple-based programs for patients and their partners. The review included 12 recent scientific studies involving 1,444 patients with confirmed cardiovascular diseases and their healthy partners. In these studies, partners either actively participated in more than half of the rehabilitation period or were not involved at all.

More than two-thirds of the studies assessing behavioral changes showed a significant advantage of couple-based programs in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Patients who underwent rehabilitation with their partners were more likely to stick to exercise routines, medication schedules, and dietary recommendations. In one study, participants in couple-based programs maintained physical activity, while those without support or with relationship issues were more likely to drop out.

In some cases, direct positive medical outcomes were also observed, such as lower cholesterol levels and fewer doctor visits. However, simply having a partner present in rehabilitation did not always lead to psychological improvements. In some studies, positive effects were seen only in patients, in others only in partners, and in some there were no changes at all.

Impact on relationships

The study also found that joint rehabilitation did not improve relationship quality within couples. In other words, participating in health programs together does not necessarily strengthen the bond between partners.

Conclusions

Couple-based programs are effective tools for behavioral support and overall health improvement. However, they are not sufficient to enhance the emotional climate in a relationship—on their own, such programs do not bring partners closer together.