The Pulse Pod

Could cardiac rehabilitation play a larger role in breast cancer survivorship? Clinical exercise physiologist and cancer exercise specialist Sadie Engleken, ACSM-CEP, CCES, makes the case for combining cancer and cardiac rehab to improve outcomes and long-term heart health. 

 Guest author Gaurav Khanna, MD, unpacks what is understood — and not understood — about the emerging condition known as "popcorn lung," what was learned from the EVALI outbreak of 2019, and whether vaping has value as a tobacco cessation strategy. 

Pulmonary rehabilitation clinician Maria Baylon, RRT, RCP, examines the way that pulmonary rehab professionals ask patients to breathe. Namely, Baylon investigates the effectiveness of the Capnography-Assisted Learned Monitored (CALM) Breathing method.

AACVPR hosted a webinar updating cardiopulmonary professionals on contemporary issues related to lipid care. This was a timely and relevant session that provided suggestions on clinical care and described a few highlights of the 2026 American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC)/AACVPR dyslipidemia guidelines that were published in March 2026.

In medicine, nutrition is a science; but for people, it is a biography. What and when we eat can hold deep personal importance. Our life stories likely include shared experiences around food that could appear insignificant to the observer but often invoke feelings of family and love.

AACVPR President Stacey Greenway, MA, MPH, MAACVPR, ACSM-CEP outlines a bold, member-informed roadmap to strengthen the future of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. The plan focuses on three core goals—deepening awareness and engagement, driving innovation and program excellence, and advancing science and outcomes—while prioritizing member value, hybrid and virtual care models, advocacy, and evidence-based impact. Together, these strategies position AACVPR and its community to expand access, elevate quality, and demonstrate the vital role of CR/PR in evolving healthcare delivery.

The general public might associate wearable health technology more so with 'cardio' than the 'pulmonary,' but these devices are making strides in monitoring chronic lung disease. UVM Health internist Elie Donath, MD, MPH, offers his expert insight on how — under the watchful guidance and involvement of cardiopulmonary professionals — wearables can support behavior change and early detection of declining chronic respiratory disease in users. 

Kevin G. Tayon, MD, and Bryan J. Taylor, PhD, FAACVPR trace the origins of Takotsubo syndrome—from its first puzzling presentation in 1983 Hiroshima to its recognition as “broken-heart syndrome” after a surge of cases following the 2004 Chūetsu earthquake. Explore how intense emotional or physical stress can temporarily stun the heart, highlighting both the medical mystery and human stories behind this unique condition.

Staying active in winter can be tough for cardiopulmonary rehab patients, but understanding how cold air stresses the heart and lungs — and taking simple precautions — helps keep workouts safe and effective even when temperatures drop. 

Kim Loeffler, MS offers clear tips on layering, warming up, protecting your airways, and recognizing warning signs so patients can maintain their rehab goals all season long. 

By James D. Walter, PhD

Discover why adding small bursts of movement to your day—not just formal exercise—can transform your health and longevity.