Table 1.

Phases of cardiac rehabilitation

Phase I

Early in-hospital mobilization after an acute event

Phase II

For many patients, outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (phase II: 4–6 weeks) is a suitable and sometimes preferable alternative to inpatient rehabilitation

Phase III

Following phase II in- or outpatient rehabilitation, phase III outpatient rehabilitation is offered in order to assure sustainability of the results achieved during phase II rehabilitation

Phase IV

Lifelong secondary prevention lies in the responsibility of every patient (heart groups, sports clubs, home training, etc.)