Cardiac rehabilitation can be defined as a medically supervised exercise and counselling programme specifically designed for patients recovering from the complications of heart disease.

Advantages:

1. Return to normal and active life, both physically and emotionally

2. Limits the risk of developing additional heart trouble< p>

3. Improves psychological well-being

4. Helps in maximizing the ability to regain independence and gives confidence.

The outcome measures:

a) Improvement in quality of life (QOL).

b) Satisfaction with risk factor alteration

c) Potential for advancement at work commensurate with the patient's skills

Outcome measures in elderly:

1. Achievement of functional disability

2. Prevention of premature disability

Cardiac rehabilitation is initiated by the doctors while the patient is still in hospital and rehabilitation continues for lifetime.

Rehabilitation includes:

1. Medication review

2. Light exercise

3. Guidance on house activities

4. Care of incision sites

5. Diet chart by a dietician

Post discharge rehabilitation includes:

1. This includes low-level exercise and physical activity as well as lifestyle guidance.

2. Risk reduction strategies are emphasized again with exercise

3. Counselling and stress management, smoking cessation, nutrition and weight loss

4. The exercise sessions should be scheduled three times a week.

5. Activities include walking, bycycling and jogging.

Rehabilitation programmes are a must. Teamwork involving the patient is essential for the programmes to be successful.