The conceptual change and the dynamic care of patients observed in coronary care units, in recent years are reported. The coronary care unit is increasingly conceived as an intensive care unit for patients with acute or chronic cardiopathies with severe complications. Criteria for rational planification, functional and hierarchic organization and basic medical care arguments are established. The coronary care unit can not be considered as an isolated facility, but should rather be integrated in the cardiology department, under the direction of a cardiologist. The authors point out the basic, physical structure and characteristics of the equipment in the coronary care unit and the intermediate cardiac care unit, as well as the newly created chest pain units. Finally, we comment on the human resources (medical, nursing and administrative) and the criteria for admission and discharge in the coronary care unit.