Abstract

Twenty-nine patients having myocardial infarction (MI) of recent origin (6 weeks or less) were evaluated and treated using a program in which assessment and progression were based not on generalized data but on the individual responses of each patient. Fourteen patients had complications including left ventricular impairment, continuing ischemia or rhythm disturbances, and 15 didnot. Cardiac tolerance for the common selfcare activities, walking and light exercise, was objectively defined by 3 levels of functional monitoring. The physician, occupational therapist and physical therapist evaluated the patients responses to mild exertion, utilizing a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ecg), physical examination, 24-hour monitoring with a portable ecg, selfcare evaluation and a modified treadmill screening test. Following the 1st self-care evaluation, 3 patients were ordered to bedrest for further medical treatment while 26 cleared for ward activity. The 15 patients without complications had appropriate responses to activity and proceeded to a mild exerciseprogram with minimal observation. Of the 14 with complications, 5 experienced atemporary program interruption and 2 were dropped from the program secondaryto severity of complications. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)