Optimal timing of phase II rehabilitation after cardiac surgery. The cardiologist's view.

Structured programmes of rehabilitation have been shown to be effective in restoring functional capacity, increasing return to work and improving the psychosocial status of patients following open heart surgery. However, uncertainty still exists about the optimal timing of rehabilitation after cardiac surgery. Data in the literature suggest that phase II rehabilitation can begin as early as one week after open heart surgery without having a negative influence on infections, mortality or readmissions. Early rehabilitation can even improve graft patency after CABG. However, age, operative complications and co-morbidities must be considered individually for each patient when determining the beginning of phase II rehabilitation.