[Rehabilitation in an ambulatory coronary training group. A longitudinal study of 5 years after a Hamburg model].

Results from 84 patients after an acute myocardial infarction, members of the first coronary club at Hamburg (training group) during 5 months up to 5 years, are reported. Fluctuation of participants was 20% per year; this is the same rate as in other parts of the sports clubs. Participants were approximately 10 years younger than the average of patients after myocardial infarction. 7 of the 84 patients died; mortality rate was 1.8% per year, no overmortality was detected in the first year after myocardial infarction. 16 of the 84 patients suffered reinfarction, i.e. 3.4% per year, especially elderly patients. 3/4 of the patients were sportive 5 years after their myocardial infarction, 46% continue to undergo a weekly activity with real training effect for good aerobic persistence. 85% had a fair physical working capacity (PWC). Younger patients under 50 years benefit more by the training than older. Older patients have a shorter participation than younger. 81.9% were working in their professions 5 years after their myocardial infarction. Before myocardial infarction 48 of 84 patients (57.1%) had been smokers; 5 years after participation in the coronary club only 11 of 84 patients (13.1%) smoked and continue to smoke cigarettes. The body-weight of the participants was normal in 88.4%; nobody had more weight than at myocardial infarction. It is concluded that long-term participation in the activity of a coronary club (training group) can give more quality of life after myocardial infarction.