Cardiac Rehabilitation, Self-responsibility, and Quality of Life

Individual cardiac rehabilitation trials generally have not demonstrated significantly lower reinfarction rates, although there is a trend toward lower fatal events. In a progressive disease such as coronary artery disease, for which there is no known cure at the present time, reduction of disability and handicap may he more appropriate outcomes than a reduction in mortality or morbidity A reduction in disability and handicap may he equated with an improvement in quality of life. Patient self-responsibility for compliance with long-term health-behavior change is an essential factor in regaining an active, productive life and improving quality of life.