Interventional cardiology in perspective: impact on cardiac rehabilitation

Exponential evolution of percutaneous, catheter-based revascularization has modified traditional premises of cardiac rehabilitation. With increasing numbers of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA) procedures relative to coronary artery bypass grafting interventions, the need for in-patient rehabilitation is declining; on the other hand, the need for life-style counselling within the framework of out-patient rehabilitation is increasing. Risk factor interventions are important to minimize and to retard the progression of the disease. Rehabilitation programmes offer exercise training, stress modification and life style counselling to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and to increase exercise capability. Since costs of out-patient rehabilitation seem to be lower than those of in-patient rehabilitation, a case may be made in favour of directing limited funds to additional interventions and to saving money by replacing in-patient rehabilitation with outpatient programmes after PTCA. The budget-holder has to make the choice.