Editorial
Acute Coronary Syndrome and Rehabilitation: Two Key Phases of the Same Continuum
Matias Trbušić
Matej Nedić
Abstract
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality despite considerable improvements in interventional cardiology and pharmacotherapy. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a key component of modern treatment after ACS, with a proven effect on reducing mortality, rehospitalization, and increasing functional capacity and quality of life. This review article presents the concept of continuum of cardiac rehabilitation in four phases – from acute hospitalization to permanent secondary prevention – highlighting the importance of prompt referral and structured shifts between phases. Presented also are risk assessment and patient stratification, including criteria for low- and high-risk patients, and contraindications for testing and physical activity. Moreover, focus is on recommendations for physical exercise, especially in high-risk patients and those with implantable devices, as well as to the problem of insufficient adherence and limited implementation of CR in clinical practice. The necessity for a multidisciplinary approach, structured education, and organized referral is underlined in order to truly achieve the proven benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in everyday work.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
345175
URI
Publication date:
26.2.2026.
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