Long Term Care of the Coronary Patient

Based on experience in the cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention clinic at St Vincent's Hospital, this book examines the current status of cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac transplantation and coronary and valve surgery. The author also discusses obesity, hypertension, smoking and exercise.

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This is a study of cost-effective means of longterm care for patients with coronary heart disease and post-operative patients with valve disease. It is based on the practical experience of members of staff in the cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention clinic at St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin. Its main purpose is to show how cost-effective care can be provided by medical and paramedical staff in cardiology units. The book discusses treatment of symptoms and complications. It also deals with methods of secondary prevention, eg counselling patients on behaviour modification (weight loss, stopping smoking). Based on the evidence of practical experience, it challenges acceptance of the present empirical and rational basis of methods of cardiac rehabilitation.