Assessment of the main factors influencing return to work following myocardial infarction: A longitudinal study

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity in developing countries. Also, MI can cause disability and adversely affect on patients' quality of life and economical condition. Aim & objectives: To assess the main demographic, occupational and clinical variables that might affect the return to work status following MI. Methods: We surveyed 384 patients who referred to a general hospital between 2007 and 2009, for acute MI. Participants were employed and with no history of MI. Also, the required data was gathered from the medical records. Results: Most of patients had returned to work (79%). The mean delay for return to work was 2.2 months. Based on logistic regression analysis, predictor factors of returning to work were: age, duration of hospitalization, left ventricular ejection fraction, history of diabetes mellitus, occurrence of angina after MI in hospital and CABG surgery (P-value<0.05). Conclusions: Successful return to work after first MI is related to clinical, demographic, psychological and occupational variables. Precise evaluation of occupational factors such as job title, metabolic rate required for that job and fitness for work may affect successful return to work.