Objectives Health-related quality of life (QOL) is an important factor to evaluate effects of different interventions in cardiovascular diseases. Improvement in QOL is an important goal for individuals participating in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. In Iran there are not enough investigations in this area. The purpose of this study is assessing the impact of comprehensive CR on QOL in patients with coronary disease.

Methods In this perspective queasy experimental study the files of 100 patients referred to Isfahan cardiac rehabilitation research centre, were studied in a consecutive sampling method. Data collection was performed including demographics, ejection fraction, functional capacity and resting heart rate. All patients had participated in a comprehensive CR program and completed the validated questionnaire Short-Form 36 Health Status Survey before and after CR program. Data was analysed based on sex and age groups (≥65 and <65 years) using independent t-test in SPSS at level of p < 0.05.

Results After CR, physical domains of QOL (Physical Function (PF), Physical Limitation (PL), Body Pain (BP) and Vitality (V)) and General Health (GH) improved significantly in all patients (p < 0.02). Patients with age < 65years had greater improvements in mental health (MH) and Social function (SF) than patients with age ≥65 years (p < 0.02). Women had greater improvement in PF, V and MH than men significantly (p < 0.006).

Conclusions These results indicate that CR improves QOL in cardiac patients especially in women. Elderly patients get benefit as same as other patients in physical domains.