The leading cause of death in Europe is cardiovascular diseases (CVD), it causes 4 million deaths a year. Lithuania is classified as a high risk group of CVD. Many studies have shown that there are gender related differences in the way cardiac symptoms and diseases are perceived the incidence and course of coronary disease, cardiac treatments, and cardiac surgery.

One hundred and twenty-five patients after cardiac surgery: valve surgery 37.8% (n=48), coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) 52.8% (n=67), combined 9.4% (n=10) undergoing exercise training inpatient CR were studied in order to evaluate the effect of a CR programme on the quality of life. Functional capacity was assessed by a 6minutes walking test and quality of life was assess by using the Short-Form (36) General Health Survey (assess patient's health and emotional well-being) scale from 1 to 100, on admission and at the end of 3 weeks programme.

In the study participated 89 men (71.2%) and 36 women (28.8%). Men average age was 62.53±1.85; women - 67.78±1.6 (P=0.017). The prevalence of risk factors was not statistically significantly different between men and women (P>0.05). The physical capacity according to 6MWT was statistically significantly lower in women before and after CR (before 341.2±24.1 vs. 246.2±21.2m., P=0,004 after 417,1 ±13.29 vs. 341.2±24.1, P=0.009). Results of SF-36 general health assessment (45.9±1.9% vs. 47.41±3.5%) and emotional well-being (59.17±2.81% vs. 62.4±2.9%) at the beginning of CR did not differ (> 0.05). After CR women rated their general health (45.72±2.36% vs. 54.4±2.77%, P=0.037) and emotional well-being (82.35±2.65% vs. 71.2±2.57%, P=0.012) statistically significantly higher.

In the female group, general health and emotional well-being assessment after CR were better evaluated, although women were older and their physical capacity was lower.