The general aim of this licentiate thesis was to describe and compare, from a longitudinal perspective, the extent of cardiac rehabilitation efforts as well as changes in social support and social network in women who have suffered their first myocardial infarction (MI). The studies had a descriptive, comparative and longitudinal design. Data were collected from healthcare professionals at 18 acute hospitals, who on two occasions answered a questionnaire dealing with cardiac rehabilitation efforts. From these 18 hospitals, 240 women who had suffered a first MI were consecutively chosen to answer a questionnaire on three occasions on the subject of social support and social network. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data over time. The result showed that patients with different ischaemic heart disease diagnoses and their next-of-kin were offered different cardiac rehabilitation programmes (CRPs). None of the hospitals offered a CRP that was specifically designed for women. The women experienced that the extent of general support, support from relatives, and professional support changed positively over time. The women who participated in a CRP reported less need for professional support over time compared to non participants. This licentiate thesis provides knowledge about social support and social network that can be used to develop CROPs based on the special needs of women with MI and their relatives.