Exercise after myocardial infarction: appraisal of the literature.

The prescription of exercise programs for patients is becoming more common. A review of the literature indicates that supervised exercise programs for patients who have had a myocardial infarction are relatively safe. Exercising probably makes patients feel better, but there is no conclusive evidence that exercise programs lower either mortality or morbidity for those who continue in an exercise program. On the basis of the current literature, it is not justified to recommend special exercise programs of cardiac rehabilitation as a routine measure in the care of most patients who have had an infarction. Some patients, especially those with left ventricular dysfunction, may benefit from supervised exercise programs.