[Cardiac rehabilitation: first experience in Algeria]

Cardiac rehabilitation should be considered part of the management of coronary artery disease patients. One is surprised, however, by the discrepancy between the proven benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and the use of cardiac rehabilitation, particularly in developing countries. This paper describes the initial experience of the first Algerian rehabilitation centre and the results achieved in the first 158 coronary patients participating in a cardiac rehabilitation programme. Overall, there was a marked improvement in functional capacity and quality of life for all patients.