Return to work after myocardial infarction: a retrospective study

Objectives: To evaluate the occupational functioning and identify health-related determinants of the continuation of occupational activity in workers with a recent myocardial infarction. Material and Methods: The project was a retrospective study concerning 183 male workers, aged 39-65 years, who had suffered a primary uncomplicated myocardial infarction approximately three years prior to the study. The study group comprised both the persons who returned to work after the incident and those who did not. The subjects' mental health as well as quality of life and occupational functioning were evaluated using NHP scale, Beck Depression Inventory, STAI questionnaire by Spielberger et al., WAI, and own questionnaire "My work". Results: Data analysis revealed that the persons who returned to work after myocardial infarction were characterized by a younger age and a higher level of education, self-rated health and quality of life than the persons who did not resume their occupational activity. The occupationally active individuals showed a varying degree of readaptation to work. In the maladapted group, such disturbances occurred as depression, anxiety and lowered work ability. Conclusions: The study results indicate that in workers with a recent myocardial infarction, the current procedure for assessment of work ability, which is based solely on the evaluation of physical health, is insufficient and should be supplemented with the assessment of their mental health. The employers should also undertake activities for a better adjustment of working conditions to the abilities of workers who have experienced a cardiac incident.