Recovery from acute coronary syndromes. Hidden snares to resuming normality.
BACKGROUND
Patients with acute coronary syndromes often experience subsequent adjustment difficulties. These are not usually volunteered by the patient yet result in significant morbidity. To optimise quality of life, these 'hidden' problems need to be understood, prevented where possible, uncovered and remedied.


OBJECTIVE
To discuss common psychological and social reactions to acute coronary syndromes and the prevention and management of these problems, including the role of rehabilitation programs and the family doctor.


CONCLUSIONS
Adjustment problems can be prevented and successfully managed only if they are understood and elicited by the health professional.
Hare
D L
DL
Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria. hare@austin.unimelb.edu.au
Silverton
M
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000208:Acute Disease; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation