Community phase of cardiac rehabilitation

Although their effects cannot be shown to statistically alter coronary heart disease mortality or morbidity, voluntary health organizations throughout the world clearly play an important role in bringing about favorable changes in the natural history of this disease and in the community phase of its management. In particular, voluntary organizations are able to conduct research surveys and field trials and by so doing favorably influence state health administration. They are able to correct temporary deficiencies in health services, particularly in the form of psychosocial support and cardiac health education. Observers note that the major change in community phase management has occurred with the wider use of coronary bypass surgery since 1975. More objective data, especially relating to psychosocial factors, can be expected when further research (especially the MONICA Study) is completed. Throughout the world, however, existing voluntary health organizations could be more active in the community phase of cardiac rehabilitation. It would seem an area where such organizations could well do more. A challenging question that should be constantly reviewed is 'Can we do more to reduce the effects of invalidism in cardiac patients?'