REVIEW  STEMI: CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES 

Minerva Cardioangiologica 2018 August;66(4):464-70

DOI: 10.23736/S0026-4725.18.04674-1

Copyright © 2018 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Cardiac rehabilitation after STEMI

Stefano URBINATI ¹ ✉, Elisabetta TONET ²

¹ Department of Cardiology, Bellaria Hospital, AUSL of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; ² UO Cardiologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, Ferrara, Italy

Cardiac rehabilitation is the most important evidence-based intervention for secondary prevention after STEMI, nevertheless, only a minority of patients may access to a cardiac rehabilitation program. In this review the priority criteria for admission to cardiac rehabilitation and the main barriers that limit a larger involvement of the patients are discussed. Among the components of cardiac rehabilitation exercise is crucial and a tailored exercise training program and a tight monitoring of adherence to lifestyle recommendations are mandatory. Finally, the development of light cardiac rehabilitation pathways and home programs may allow a larger diffusion of outpatient programs. In conclusion, the participation to a cardiac rehabilitation program following STEMI is about 25-35% in western countries, and only 15% in Italy. Stressing the importance of cardiac rehabilitation participation is crucial for all post-myocardial infarction patients, particularly for the vulnerable socioeconomic populations.

KEY WORDS: Cardiac rehabilitation - Secondary prevention - Exercise