RENACER-CV: National Registry of Cardiac Rehabilitation Centers in Argentina

pp. 112-119

Abstract

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a cornerstone of secondary cardiovascular prevention, with well-established benefits in reducing mortality and hospital readmissions, and in improving functional capacity and quality of life. Nevertheless, the availability and implementation of CR programs remain heterogeneous worldwide. The National Registry of Cardiac Rehabilitation Centers (RENACER-CV) aimed to describe the current status of CR in Argentina, focusing on geographic distribution, organizational characteristics, available resources, and models of care.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured survey distributed to CR centers nationwide between July and August 2025. Data collected included institutional characteristics, regional distribution, human resources, rehabilitation phases offered, models of care (on-site and remote), annual patient volume, prevalent clinical conditions, equipment, and functional assessment tools. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: A total of 74 CR centers were identified, and 59 completed the survey. Most centers were located in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires Province (69.4%). Continuous medical supervision during exercise sessions was reported by 84.7% of centers, and 59.3% employed physiotherapists specialized in CR. Phase II and Phase III programs were offered by 79.6% and 93.2% of centers, respectively. The mean annual number of patients enrolled was 278, with wide inter-center variability. At the time of the survey, 13.5% of centers reported implementing telerehabilitation programs.

Conclusions: RENACER-CV provides an updated overview of cardiac rehabilitation availability in Argentina, revealing an active national network but also substantial geographic and organizational disparities. Expanding CR programs in underserved regions and strengthening hybrid and tele-based rehabilitation strategies should be considered key priorities to improve equity and access to secondary cardiovascular prevention.