Rehabilitation of the coronary patient. Current concepts

The principles of rehabilitation--or rather the long-term treatment--of the patient following myocardial infarction or coronary artery surgery have been defined for some time: a number of measures aimed at ensuring an optimal physical, social and psychological condition for the patient. However, the modalities of application of these principles have changed over the years, with earlier and earlier mobilisation, a briefer hospital stay, progressive physical training, early evaluation of the residual disease, a systematic psychological approach, secondary prevention and, finally, a more frequent return to work. Although the short-term results of these new approaches appear to be excellent, the long-term results are less encouraging. New research may modify our present therapeutic approaches, which are often purely empirical.