<p>A growing body of evidence underscores the importance of investigating the patient journey in managing systemic disorders. This is particularly relevant in heart failure (HF), a condition in which achieving long-term outcomes requires advancements in the early detection, accurate diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment of HF throughout the patient’s care experience. Addressing this challenge necessitates tackling critical barriers, including workforce shortages, insufficient funding, and limited awareness of HF care among both healthcare providers and patients. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) plays a pivotal role within the continuum of care, serving as a cornerstone for engaging and motivating patients and caregivers. Despite its recognized value, gaps persist in the integration of CR into interconnected care networks and the broader healthcare system. This paper seeks to highlight the essential role of CR as a "bridging tool" to promote patient stabilization, emphasizing the implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy, as well as fostering patient education and empowerment. Achieving this integration requires embedding CR as a central component within the comprehensive management pathway for patients with HF.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>