Rehabilitation of the MI survivor. Management options to maximize posthospital outcome

Rehabilitation of the survivor of myocardial infarction (MI) involves efforts to restore or retain maximal function physiologically, psychologically, vocationally, and socially. Goals include delaying or preventing complications, preventing or reversing deconditioning, improving the patient's ability to participate in chosen activities and facilitating his or her return to work, improving psychologic adjustment, and reducing risk factors. A comprehensive rehabilitation program can be guided by an understanding of the natural history of MI in survivors and the risks versus benefits of the interventions discussed.