[Sessions of a cardiac rehabilitation program in coronary disease--the hospital phase (phase I)].

Cardiac rehabilitation is nowadays an integral part of global treatment of the coronary disease. It has the goals to restore a cardiac patient to the maximum level of physical, mental and social condition, so that to achieve the best possible sociofamilial reintegration, and of secondary prevention. The cardiac rehabilitation programs integrate three major components: physical exercise, risk factor control and psychosocial intervention. They start during the period of hospitalization (Phase I), after medical stabilization. In this initial phase the aims are: risk factor education and motivation for healthier life-styles, psychological support, and physical training for early ambulation and self-care, for preventing the deleterious physiological effects of immobilization and for progressive reconditioning.