[Condition following myocardial infarct: which studies at what time and with what patients?].

This review discusses the stepwise approach to postinfarction patients. For some patients only a few basic steps are needed, for others the whole diagnostic spectrum becomes necessary. The baseline diagnostic workup at the time of discharge from the hospital includes: history, clinical examination and risk factor analysis, ECG at rest; x-ray examination of the heart; Holter-ECG recording and exercise testing. The results of this routine diagnostic program determine whether additional and invasive methods are necessary, e.g. echocardiography, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, radionuclide angiography and coronary angiography. The indication for coronary angiography should be adjusted to the indications for aortocoronary bypass surgery and aneurysmectomy. In young postinfarction patients and those in specific jobs, coronary angiography is also indicated to improve the evaluation of prognosis.