Two and a half million people in the UK suffer from heart disease

The British Heart Foundation wants to find out the reasons behind the shortfall.

According to the charity, there are huge geographical and social variations across the UK.

The National Cardiac Rehabilitation Audit Project, will benefit the 22 units based in Wales, says the charity.

It is believed there is a lower take-up among women, the elderly and some ethnic minority groups.

Cardiac rehabilitation has for too long been a Cinderella service Malcolm Walker, president of the British Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation

Attending these services is recognised as one of the best ways to prevent further heart attacks or other cardiac problems.

But, at the moment, the numbers attending rehab is short of government targets.

BHF medical director Professor Peter Weissberg said: "We believe it (the audit) has the potential to bring help and hope to thousands of heart patients who currently leave hospital unsure how to rebuild their confidence and reduce their risk of future problems.

'Evidence-based'

"The data will show who is taking part in rehab courses and who is not," he added.

"It will help identify centres that are under-staffed and enable resources to be targeted at those most in need."

A pilot project, which has been running for more than a year, has been successful at Llantrisant's Royal Glamorgan Hospital, said the BHF.

Malcolm Walker, president of the British Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation, said he was excited about the audit's prospects.

He added: "Cardiac rehabilitation has for too long been a Cinderella service, with many centres relying on small numbers of professionals striving to provide services to increasing numbers of potential beneficiaries.

'Save lives'

"This is despite cardiac rehabilitation having a strong evidence base that shows it can save lives and improve patient well-being," said Mr Walker.

The project, covering the whole of the UK, has been designed by the BHF Care and Education Research Group at the University of York.

It is a collaboration involving organisations such as the BHF, the British Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation and the Healthcare Commission.