Considerable advances have been seen in recent years in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of myocardial infarction. Furthermore, approximately 50% of patients hospitalised for a myocardial infarction have shown no evidence of any complication by the 3rd day of the disease. With this in mind, the authors show that early discharge from hospital at the end of the first week is possible in perfect safety for the majority of these patients, most often treated by thrombolysis, based upon precise knowledge of the severity of arterial disease and of left ventricular function, and the detection of any residual ischemia or possible rhythm disturbances. Only patients with three vessel disease have a higher risk of residual angina and should theoretically be excluded from such programmes. Ambulatory rehabilitation is an essential adjuvant, contributing to a faster return to work and a decrease in health care costs.