Introduction Recovering from a heart event—whether it’s a heart attack, heart surgery, or a diagnosis of heart failure—is a pivotal moment in a patient’s life. It marks not just a medical emergency, but a wake-up call and a chance to reset one’s physical and emotional health. Yet many patients underestimate the importance of structured recovery. That’s where cardiac rehabilitation (CR) comes in—a medically supervised, multi-disciplinary program designed to restore heart health, prevent future complications, and empower patients with the knowledge and tools to live a healthier, longer life. Despite its proven benefits, cardiac rehabilitation remains underutilized. This article explores why…