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A preliminary study of the relationship between a physically active versus a physically non-active life before a myocardial infarction and coping ability (e.g. psychosocial effects) after a myocardial infarction has been performed. In a mainly rural area in south-western Sweden all myocardial infarction sufferers (N = 49) during January 1984-August 1986, fulfilling certain criteria, were sent a questionnaire with special emphasis on their present and former exercise habits and psychosocial situation. The results indicate that there is a positive relation between a physically active as compared with a physically non-active life and coping ability in terms of fewer expressed depressions, better experienced relations in the family and higher degree of return to work, after a myocardial infarction among the physically active. However, further investigations are needed in order to explain the mechanisms involved. The results further imply that primary and secondary prevention must support the "risk-individual's" coping ability from a multifactorial view, built on holistic caring.