Guidelines are systematically developed statements to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical conditions. This guideline was developed by a private-sector panel convened by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The panel, assembled by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, employed an explicit science-based methodology and expert clinical judgment to develop specific statements on management of cardiac rehabilitation.

Extensive literature searches were conducted, and critical reviews and syntheses were used to evaluate empirical evidence and significant outcomes. Peer review was undertaken to evaluate the reliability and utility of the guideline in clinical practice. The panel's recommendations are primarily based on the published scientific literature. When the scientific literature was incomplete or inconsistent in a particular area, the recommendations reflect the professional judgment of panel members and consultants.

The guideline reflects the state of knowledge, current at the time of publication, on effective and appropriate care. Given the inevitable changes in the state of scientific information and technology, periodic review, updating, and revision will be done.

We believe that this AHCPR and NHLBI-assisted clinical practice guideline will make positive contributions to the quality of care in the United States. We encourage practitioners and patients to use the information provided in the guideline. The recommendations may not be appropriate for use in all circumstances. Decisions to adopt any particular recommendation must be made by the practitioner based on available resources and circumstances presented by individual patients.

• Clifton R. Gaus, ScD
• Administrator
• Agency for Health Care Policy and Research
• Claude Lenfant, MD
• Director
• National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Publication of this guideline does not necessarily represent endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.