Twenty two post-MI patients, 19 males (86%) and 3 females (14%), with ages ranging from 35 to 75 (mean +/- SD: 58 +/- 11), who previously underwent phase I cardiac rehabilitation at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, participated in this study. The aim of the study was to determine patients performance of activities of daily living, occupational status and resumption of sexual activity within 3 to 20 months from onset of myocardial infarction using a structured questionnaire and interview Results showed that all patients were independent in activities of daily living. Fourteen (64%) have returned to gainful employment and half of those who were unemployed opted for retirement. Almost 60% have resumed sexual activity with about half (46%) of the patients resuming sexual activity within 3 months post-MI. In 54% of the patients, frequency of sexual activity was /- once a month while in 23% the frequency was once a week The findings of the present study show that in majority of cases, the Filipino post-MI patient is able to lead a productive lifestyle in terms of performance of activities of daily life, occupational status and resumption of sexual activity.

Acta Medica Philippina,1997 33 ( 3 ) pages 165-170