Vol 15, No 5 (2008)
How to do
Published online: 2008-08-12
Cardiac rehabilitation following myocardial infarction
Cardiol J 2008;15(5):481-487.
Abstract
This article provides an overview of current recommendations regarding cardiac rehabilitation
(CR) after myocardial infarction and its clinical application. Evidence shows that exercise-
based CR after cardiac events positively affects the extent of disability and level of quality
of life, and has also important beneficial role in modifying morbidity and mortality. Cardiac
rehabilitation is an integral component of the care for patients who have undergone acute
myocardial infarction, after invasive coronary procedures and those with chronic stable angina.
Although in the last four decades physical training has assumed a major role in health
care of coronary artery disease patients, cardiac rehabilitation does not consist exclusively of
regular exercising. Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation should include the following components:
clinical evaluation, optimization of pharmacotherapy, physical training, psychological
rehabilitation, evaluation and reduction of coronary disease risk factors, life style modification,
and patient education. Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation should be addressed by the
designated team (physician, physiotherapist, nurse, psychologist, dietician, social worker) immediately
after acute phase of myocardial infarction and should contain individualized programs
designed to optimize physical, psychological, social and emotional status. Modern model
of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation should be initiated as early as possible, continued for
required time, properly staged, and individualized depending on clinical status of the patients.
Keywords: comprehensive cardiac rehabilitationphysical activitymyocardial infarction