OBJECTIVE: Impaired left ventricular function is associated with poor prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (MI). It might be hypothesized that impaired left ventricular function would also affect work outcome; however, no existing data address this hypothesis. This study examines whether reduced left ventricular systolic function had any influence on the 4-year retirement rate after acute MI. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a prospective study including 242 working-active patients with MI. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was estimated by echocardiography during hospital admission. Data about work outcome after 4 years were collected by telephone interviews. RESULTS: Fifty percent were retired by the end of follow-up. Moderately or severely reduced LVEF (35%) increased the risk of retirement almost twofold (risk ratio RR=1.8, 95% confidence interval CI=1.3-2.5). After adjusting for confounding factors, reduced LVEF was an independent predictor of retirement. Based on a stratified analysis, being female (RR=3.90, 95% CI=1.18-12.62) or having heavy physical job demands (RR=3.83, 95% CI=1.02-14.30) had a more pronounced impact on retirement for patients with LVEF 35%, compared with patients with better left ventricular function. CONCLUSION: We conclude that impaired left ventricular systolic function is a prognostic determinant of retirement from the job market after acute MI.
OBJECTIVE:Impaired left ventricular function is associated with poor prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (MI). It might be hypothesized that impaired left ventricular function would also affect work outcome; however, no existing data address this hypothesis. This study examines whether reduced left ventricular systolic function had any influence on the 4-year retirement rate after acute MI. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a prospective study including 242 working-active patients with MI. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was estimated by echocardiography during hospital admission. Data about work outcome after 4 years were collected by telephone interviews. RESULTS: Fifty percent were retired by the end of follow-up. Moderately or severely reduced LVEF (35%) increased the risk of retirement almost twofold (risk ratio RR=1.8, 95% confidence interval CI=1.3-2.5). After adjusting for confounding factors, reduced LVEF was an independent predictor of retirement. Based on a stratified analysis, being female (RR=3.90, 95% CI=1.18-12.62) or having heavy physical job demands (RR=3.83, 95% CI=1.02-14.30) had a more pronounced impact on retirement for patients with LVEF 35%, compared with patients with better left ventricular function. CONCLUSION: We conclude that impaired left ventricular systolic function is a prognostic determinant of retirement from the job market after acute MI.
Authors: F G Slebus; P P F M Kuijer; J Han H B M Willems; J K Sluiter; M H W Frings-Dresen Journal: Occup Environ Med Date: 2007-05-23 Impact factor: 4.402
Authors: Frans G Slebus; Harald T Jorstad; Ron Jg Peters; P Paul Fm Kuijer; J Han Hbm Willems; Judith K Sluiter; Monique Hw Frings-Dresen Journal: Saf Health Work Date: 2012-06-08