The utility of inpatient rehabilitation in heart transplantation: A review

Abstract

AbstractHeart transplantation is considered definitive treatment for patients with end‐stage heart failure. Unfortunately, medical and functional complications are common after heart transplantation for a variety of reasons, and these may impact the patients’ functional recovery. Rehabilitation is often needed post‐operatively to improve functional outcomes. This review article aims to discuss the transplanted heart exercise physiology that may affect the rehabilitation process and provide an overview of the functional benefits of inpatient rehabilitation for cardiac and surgical specialties who may be less familiar with post‐acute care rehabilitation options for their patients.