Clinical Problems in the Management of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction from Its Onset to the Patients’ Return to Work

Abstract

Out of 330 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) admitted to our institution, 256 patients entered our 3-week rehabilitation program and discharged from the hospital. Through the execution of the program, its feasibility and safety were examined, and guidelines for the progress of the program were re-evaluated. The state of outpatient community life and its determining factors were also investigated by a questionnaire. The following results were obtained: 1) Over 90% of patients with uncomplicated MI could complete the rehabilitation nearly on schedule, indicating the feasibility of the program. 2) Mortality after ambulation and serious complications related to rehabilitative activities were very few, indicating the safety of our rehabilitation program. 3) Among guidelines for the progression of the program generally accepted, the case for an elevation of blood pressure as well as an ST depression was found to be especially important in order to prevent serious complications. 4) Age, discharge exercise capacity, left ventricular function and the severity of coronary disease were important factors influencing the patients’ returning to work. © 1983, The Japanese Circulation Society. All rights reserved.