[Patient assessment before initiating a cardiac rehabilitation program after an acute myocardial infarct--the role of the stress test]

Abstract

The value of a stress test in risk stratification after acute myocardial infarction is briefly discussed and the need of performing a stress test--cardiopulmonary, if possible--before admission and at the end of each phase of cardiac rehabilitation program is reinforced. The data furnished by this test are indispensable for exercise intensity prescription and to evaluate the potential benefits of the regular physical training. The background and the way of prescribing the exercise intensity in the context of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program are described, as well as the utility of stress test in counselling work resumption after acute myocardial infarction.