Early ambulation physical activity: myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass surgery.

The accepted pattern of care for the patient recovering from myocardial infarction or coronary bypass surgery in the 1980s is characterized by an earlier resumption of physical activity, a consequent decrease in imposed invalidism, and earlier discharge from the hospital for appropriately selected patients. Early ambulation has been demonstrated to be desirable, feasible, cost-effective, and safe.