If more Ontario heart patients completed cardiac rehab programs, it would mean big savings in the health care budget. A new study, led by Dr. David Alter of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, tracked 6 thousand Ontario patients who had experienced heart issues and referred to rehab programs. About two-thirds either never started or never finished the treatment. But those who actively took part, were almost $3,000 cheaper to treat on a yearly basis. Failing to follow through with cardiac rehab costs the health-care system in emergency room calls, trips to the doctor and medication — costs that in some cases could have been avoided through proper prevention. Researchers noted that cardiac rehab programs improve the quality of life of those suffering from cardiovascular disease. The paper is published in the peer-reviewed journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.