Results of early mobilization and discharge after myocardial infarction.

A total of 342 patients with acute myocardial infarction who were admitted to a coronary care unit are reviewed to assess the results of early mobilization and discharge. The mean duration of admission was 8.4 days and 89% of the survivors were discharged from hospital by the tenth day. The inpatient mortality was 15.5%. An additional 6.7% died during the six weeks' follow-up period, giving a total mortality of 22.2%. Altogether, 7.6% of patients were readmitted. Venous thromboembolic phenomena occurred in 3.5% during the inpatient period. Of patients who were eligible 62% were back at work five months after their myocardial infarction. We think the results justify a short hospital admission period for acute myocardial infarction.