Psychological care and vocational reintegration of patients with coronary artery disease after open heart surgery.

Abstract

In Germany, coronary heart disease is associated with a high mortality and morbidity. Thus, cardiological rehabilitation is an important component of postoperative care and is becoming increasingly important. Since it is essential to see cardiological rehabilitation following surgical procedures such as coronary bypass surgery, valve surgery, implantation of a cardiac pacemaker or defibrillators also under the aspect of illness management and life-style modification, rehabilitation should not exclusively focus on the physical problems but also take account of the psychological problems of patients.