Cardiac rehabilitation and subsequent intensified aftercare is capable, of increasing the rate of occupational reintegration not only over the short-term, but also over a period of two years. In addition to improving physical performance, this enhances the patient's self-confidence, decreases anxiety and reduces depression. Since, two years after completion of cardiac rehabilitation and aftercare, the percentage of those lost to gainful employment and in need of an early pension is appreciably less in the interventional group as compared with controls, this program would appear to be of particular economic importance for social security/national insurance carriers. For this reason, the Westphalian Social Security Carrier has initiated the regular use of this concept in its cardiological hospitals.