Re-initiating professional working activity after myocardial infarction in primary percutaneous coronary intervention networks era

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the aspects of return to work, socio-economic and quality of life aspects in 145 employed patients under 60 years of age treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Material and Methods: During hospital treatment demographic and clinical data was collected. Data about major adverse cardiovascular events, rehabilitation, sick leave, discharge from job and retirement, salary, major life events and estimation of quality of life after myocardial infarction were obtained after follow-up (mean: 836±242 days). Results: Average sick leave was 126±125 days. Following myocardial infarction, 3.4% of patients were discharged from their jobs while 31.7% retired. Lower salary was reported in 17.9% patients, major life events in 9.7%, while 40.7% estimated quality of life as worse following the event. Longer hospitalization was reported in patients transferred from surrounding counties, those with inferior myocardial wall and right coronary artery affected. Age, hyperlipoproteinemia and lower education degree were connected to permanent working cessation. Significant salary decrease was observed in male patients. Employer type was related to sick leave duration. Impaired quality of life was observed in patients who underwent in-hospital rehabilitation and those from surrounding counties. Longer sick leave was observed in patients with lower income before and after myocardial infarction. These patients reported lower quality of life after myocardial infarction. Conclusions: Inadequate health policy and delayed cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction may lead to prolonged hospitalization and sick leave as well as lower quality of life after the event, regardless of optimal treatment in acute phase of disease.

Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Propensity to Change Risk Behaviors Following Myocardial Infarction: Implications for Healthy Lifestyle Medicine

“…Not only does this population have higher rates of morbidity and mortality following MI they are also more likely to fail to regain their previous quality of life. Lower-SES patients are more likely to develop frailty (61), lose their independence (62), have limited functional recovery (63), and are less likely to successfully return to work following their MI (64), all negative outcomes that are ameliorated with participation in CR (9, 65). Overall these findings paint a picture of a high-risk population with myriad challenges in need of intensive intervention post-MI.…”

Health-related quality of life and associated factors in patients with myocardial infarction after returning to work: a cross-sectional study

“…However, as a traumatic event, MI could detrimentally affect patients' HRQoL both physically and mentally [16], leading to poor workplace rehabilitation (i.e. delayed return to work, increased sick leave, absence or even termination or resignation) [17]. As observed, patients who returned to work after MI could continuously be affected by impaired heart function (i.e.…”

Factors associated with anxiety and depression in hospitalized patients with first episode of acute myocardial infarction

“…Time of return to work also shapes patients’ perception about difficulties in the family and social environment. Time to return to work seems to vary globally, as in the United States patients return to work after 75 days, while in Europe they return after 3–6 months [ 29 ]. However, the majority of patients return to work in 2 or 3 months with the exception of occupations that involve intense physical requirements.…”