Rehabilitation after myocardial infarction.

The concept that many patients with asymptomatic coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, including myocardial infarction, can and should return toward normal living is the basis of the rehabilitation effort. The primary care physician is increasingly employing this approach in the care of patients with myocardial infarction. Much of the capacity to effect rehabilitation should be available in the community hospital, in the office of the primary physician, or through community, governmental, public, and voluntary health care agencies and facilities. Although some patients with complex diagnostic problems and more severe impairment require consultative services or referral to specialized cardiac centers, all patients must eventually be returned to the care system and services of their local communities.