Cardiac Rehabilitation Without Exercise Tests for Post-Myocardial Infarction and Post-Bypass Surgery Patients

Abstract

Patients completing a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program can be safely progressed in terms of their exercise capacity without an entry exercise test. This is desirable in a managed-care setting for reducing costs while maintaining effective patient care. Such factors as staff training and experience, institutional philosophy, patient referral patterns, and facility location must be considered before adopting a no-test policy.