Cardiac rehabilitation following myocardial infarction

Coronary heart disease is the major cause of death in the UK, but cardiac rehabilitation programmes have tended to develop in an ad hoc and unsystematic way. This article considers some of the deficits in current practice and suggests ways in which nurses can contribute more fully to care in this area. The need for better training and the necessity to develop skills in psychological care are highlighted. The authors also emphasize the importance of giving greater attention to a number of areas such as family involvement, sexuality and gender issues, and community follow-up.