Cardiac rehabilitation is a process designed to help anyone suffering from ischaemic heart disease, or who has had a myocardial infarction (MI), achieve their full potential in terms of physical and psychological health. The process involves a combination of education, psychological support, exercise training and behavioural changes. Phases of cardiac rehabilitation start with the initial stage following the MI or cardiac event; during the post-discharge stage when the patient is most vulnerable; structured exercise and rehabilitation; and the maintenance phase. For optimal effect, cardiac rehabilitation programmes should be structured and tailored to the individual patient following an initial assessment.