# Global cardiac rehabilitation access and utilization > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-cardiac-rehabilitation-access-and-utilization > Updated: 2026-10-10T02:19:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. The Spanish Society of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine (SERMEF) has issued warnings regarding the underutilization of cardiac rehabilitation programs. Specialists noted that many patients are not referred to these services following cardiovascular events, despite evidence that such interventions are essential for recovering autonomy and quality of life. This concern follows the anticipation of new clinical practice guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology. On a broader scale, research from York University and the University of Toronto indicates that global access to cardiac rehabilitation has stagnated over the last decade. This lack of progress occurs even as cardiovascular disease cases rise and survival rates increase. The study highlights that the availability of affordable hybrid or alternative programs has actually decreased since the pandemic. Barriers to access include funding shortages, staffing issues, patient costs, and transportation difficulties. The situation is particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries, which represent approximately 80 percent of global cardiovascular deaths, placing significant pressure on healthcare infrastructures. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-10: Global cardiac rehabilitation access stagnates despite rising disease A study shows global access to cardiac rehabilitation has stagnated despite rising cardiovascular disease, threatening to increase mortality and healthcare burdens, especially in low-income nations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-cardiac-rehabilitation-access-stagnates-despite-rising-disease ### 2026-09-27: SERMEF warns of underutilization of cardiac rehabilitation programs Medical specialists warn that cardiac rehabilitation is underutilized and lacks consistent access for patients following cardiovascular events, despite its proven benefits for quality of life. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sermef-warns-of-underutilization-of-cardiac-rehabilitation-programs --- Cite as: Global cardiac rehabilitation access and utilization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-cardiac-rehabilitation-access-and-utilization