Cardiac rehabilitation in porcine models: Advances in therapeutic strategies for ischemic heart disease

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD) worldwide. Despite advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, translational research demands robust large animal models to bridge the gap between experimental interventions and clinical application. Among these, porcine models have gained prominence due to their anatomical, physiological, immunological, and genomic similarities to humans. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current methodologies for establishing porcine IHD models, critically assesses emerging rehabilitative strategies, and outlines innovative therapeutic technologies, with the goal of guiding model selection and fostering the development of novel treatment strategies.