Observational registry of cardiac rehabilitation for heart disease patients in Italy
Studies how cardiac rehabilitation is delivered to adults with coronary disease or heart failure.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: The Italian Alliance for Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Prevention (ITACARE-P) Registry: An Observational Study on Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients With Coronary Disease or Heart Failure
Key facts
- Where
- Milan, ItalySee the site
Where in Italy
- IRCCS DongnocchiMilan, ItalyTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ETS
- Trial code
- NCT07094737
- Record updated
- 29 September 2026
- Original description
The ITACARE-P CardioRehab Registry is a nationwide observational study conducted in Italy and coordinated by the Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi in Milan. It involves multiple hospitals and rehabilitation centres across the country and aims to better understand how cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is delivered to patients recovering from heart conditions (coronary artery disease and/or heart failure). CR is a structured programme that includes exercise, lifestyle education, and psychological support, and is known to improve recovery, reduce future cardiac events, lower hospital readmissions, and enhance quality of life. Despite strong recommendations from international guidelines, not all eligible patients are referred to CR, and its delivery varies. This study collects real-world data to describe how CR programmes are implemented, evaluate whether patients meet recommended treatment targets (such as lower cholesterol in coronary patients or reduced heart-failure blood markers), assess patient outcomes, identify subgroups needing tailored care, and support improvements in cardiac care services in Italy. Adults who recently experienced a qualifying heart condition are enrolled and followed during their standard rehabilitation, without any changes to treatment. Data on medical history, risk factors, quality of life, functional capacity, and medication use are collected, with follow-up at 6 and 12 months. Participation involves no added risks, and personal health data are securely managed in accordance with EU GDPR regulations using the REDCap system. The study aims to enhance the quality, consistency, and equity of cardiac rehabilitation across the country.Read full original descriptionShow less
The ITACARE-P CardioRehab Registry
The ITACARE-P CardioRehab Registry is a nationwide observational study conducted in Italy and coordinated by the Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi in Milan. It involves multiple hospitals and rehabilitation centres across the country and aims to better understand how cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is delivered to patients recovering from heart conditions (coronary artery disease and/or heart failure). CR is a structured programme that includes exercise, lifestyle education, and psychological support, and is known to improve recovery, reduce future cardiac events, lower hospital readmissions, and enhance quality of life. Despite strong recommendations from international guidelines, not all eligible patients are referred to CR, and its delivery varies. This study collects real-world data to describe how CR programmes are implemented, evaluate whether patients meet recommended treatment targets (such as lower cholesterol in coronary patients or reduced heart-failure blood markers), assess patient outcomes, identify subgroups needing tailored care, and support improvements in cardiac care services in Italy. Adults who recently experienced a qualifying heart condition are enrolled and followed during their standard rehabilitation, without any changes to treatment. Data on medical history, risk factors, quality of life, functional capacity, and medication use are collected, with follow-up at 6 and 12 months. Participation involves no added risks, and personal health data are securely managed in accordance with EU GDPR regulations using the REDCap system. The study aims to enhance the quality, consistency, and equity of cardiac rehabilitation across the country.
Inclusion: Adults (≥18 years) with coronary artery disease and/or heart failure following an acute event, meeting current national regulatory requirements for appropriateness of referral to cardiac rehabilitation (early post-acute referral); Admitted to an inpatient, outpatient, or Complex Outpatient Macro-Activity (MAC) cardiac rehabilitation programme, according to the clinical setting and care pathway; Provision of written informed consent.
Exclusion: Explicit refusal to participate in the study; Indication for cardiac rehabilitation solely following isolated valvular surgery; Highly unfavourable short-term prognosis (e.g., terminal illness); Planned elective hospital readmission within six months after completion of the cardiac rehabilitation programme.