The role of psychological intervention in the management of patients after myocardial infarction

A review of the literature suggests that it is neither appropriate nor cost-effective to involve as a routine all patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction in a traditional outpatient rehabilitation programme where physical conditioning is the principal (or only) ingredient. However, there is evidence to show that psychological intervention programmes that provide short-term psychological support, health education and intervention in coronary risk behaviour influence favourably both physical and psychosocial outcome. The case is put forward for intervention, during the first few days of the patient's admission to hospital, with a treatment package that comprises health education and relaxation therapy. The need for further interventions such as counselling, behavioural therapy, and physical conditioning may be assessed, depending on the patient's response to the initial programme.