Although aortic major vessel surgery can effectively correct anatomical abnormalities and improve disease prognosis, it remains challenging to eliminate residual aortic pathology and reduce the long-term risk of cardiovascular events. In addition, patients often experience reduced exercise tolerance and impaired health-related quality of life following surgery. In recent years, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (ECR) has been widely promoted among patients with cardiovascular diseases, with its clinical benefits well established. However, patients undergoing surgery for aortic disease present with unique characteristics, and standard ECR protocols may not fully address their specific rehabilitation needs. There is a compelling need to develop tailored ECR strategies for this patient population. This article presents a comprehensive literature review of recent clinical studies on ECR in patients after aortic surgery, aiming to offer practical and evidence-based guidance for professionals in the field of cardiac rehabilitation.
