Prevalence and clinical outcomes of patients with apparent treatment‐resistant hypertension enrolled in Phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation

Phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) employs evidenced‐based interventions to modify the risk of cardiac morbidity in its participants. The prevalence of apparent treatment‐resistant hypertension (aTRH) among CR participants is unknown. A retrospective analysis of a longitudinal cohort of patients who completed CR between 2012 and 2017 was undertaken. The prevalence of hypertension was 62% (n = 311). 11% of participants with hypertension had aTRH (n = 35). Participants with aTRH exhibited lower exercise capacity (EC) before starting CR and after its completion compared to normotensive counterparts ( P  < .001). aTRH participants were more likely to experience a decrease in EC, even after participating in cardiac rehabilitation, compared to normotensive participants ( P  = .02). aTRH participants were more likely to be hospitalized or seen in the emergency department after cardiac rehabilitation completion compared to normotensive counterparts (OR: 2.85, P  < .01). CR presents an opportunity to identify and appropriately care for patients with aTRH.