[Rehabilitation problems with heart valve prosthesis patients]

A vast experience of over 1500 patients with prostheses of the heart valves is being summarized. A method of physical and psychological rehabilitation of these patients is described and data are given proving the efficacy of such measures: increased physical endurance in work by 92%, decrease of psychic disorders by 41.5%. The efficacy of the sanatorium stage of post-operative treatment is shown. Not infrequently the degree of invalidity of patients with cardiac valve prostheses is exaggerated, it is stressed that the use of exercise tests by the rehabilitation commission is essential.