Rehabilitation following coronary angioplasty should be individualized according to age, cardiac function, comorbidities, complications, and physician recommendations.
PHASE I: IMMEDIATE POST-PROCEDURAL REHABILITATION (DAY 0–3)
Age <50 Years
Day 0–1:
• Bed mobility exercises
• Deep breathing exercises
• Ankle pumps and toe movements
• Sitting at bedside
• Short corridor walking (2–5 minutes)
Day 2–3:
• Walking 5–10 minutes, 2–4 times/day
• Light self-care activities
• Stair climbing assessment if medically stable
Age 50–70 Years
Day 0–1:
• Breathing exercises
• Active limb movements
• Sit-to-stand training
Day 2–3:
• Walking 3–8 minutes several times daily
• Independent toileting and grooming
Age >70 Years
Day 0–1:
• Frequent position changes
• Respiratory exercises
Day 2–3:
• Supervised walking
• Balance training
• Fall prevention strategies
PHASE II: EARLY RECOVERY (WEEK 1–2)
Under 50 Years:
• Walking: 10–15 min/day progressing to 20–30 min/day
• Gentle stretching
• Low-resistance strengthening
Age 50–70 Years:
• Walking: 10–20 min/day
• Light household activities
• Stationary cycling if approved
Age >70 Years:
• Walking: 5–15 min/day in multiple sessions
• Balance and functional mobility training
PHASE III: STRUCTURED CARDIAC REHABILITATION (WEEK 3–6)
Under 50 Years:
• Aerobic exercise: walking, treadmill, cycling
• Duration: 30–40 min/session
• Resistance training after physician approval
Age 50–70 Years:
• Aerobic training: 25–35 min/session
• Strength training with bands/light weights
Age >70 Years:
• Aerobic training: 15–30 min/session
• Balance exercises and low-load strengthening
PHASE IV: FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY (WEEK 6–12)
All Age Groups:
• 150–300 min/week moderate aerobic activity
• Resistance training 2–3 times/week
• Daily stretching
• Lifestyle modification and risk-factor control
LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE (AFTER 3 MONTHS)
• Continue regular aerobic exercise
• Maintain healthy diet
• Smoking cessation
• Weight management
• Stress management
RED FLAGS
Stop exercise and seek medical advice if:
• Chest pain
• Excessive shortness of breath
• Dizziness or fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Excessive fatigue
WEEK-BY-WEEK WALKING PROGRESSION
Week 1: 5–10 min, 2–3 times/day
Week 2: 15–20 min/day
Week 3: 20–25 min/day
Week 4: 25–30 min/day
Week 5–6: 30–40 min/day
Week 7–12: 40–60 min/day
