Cardiovascular rehabilitation has been designed to decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease. This study described (1) patient–health-care provider interactions regarding cardiovascular rehabilitation and (2) which discussion elements were related to patient referral. This was a prospective study of cardiovascular patients and their health-care providers. Discussion utterances were coded using the Roter Interaction Analysis System. Discussion between 26 health-care providers and 50 patients were recorded. Cardiovascular rehabilitation referral was related to greater health-care provider interactivity (odds ratio = 2.82, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–7.86) and less patient concern and worry (odds ratio = 0.64, 95% confidence interval = 0.45–0.89). Taking time for reciprocal discussion and allaying patient anxiety may promote greater referral.