Question
A 70 yr old man entered the hospital last Wednesday for a laminectomy
and disectomy. Saturday morning he had a major heart attack & had 3
stents placed to open a 100% blockage. The cardiologist said there is
severe damage to the heart. How does he do back rehab now? The
cardiologist said the stress & pain caused the heart attack. I don't
understand how he rehabs without having a fatal heart attack.

Answer
I would focus on rehab for the heart first, without that you can't do anything else.
I would not focus on back rehab until I got the all clear from the cardiologist.
There are low impact ways to rehab the back that do not tax the heart,be sure to let the physical therapist know prior to starting.