Return to work after myocardial infarction in a lower socioeconomic population.

A retrospective study of the work status of 45 consecutive male patients who were at least 12 months post myocardial infarction was carried out. The vast majority of patients were in the lower socioeconomic classes. Only 31 percent of those previously working returned to employment. No differences were found in mean age, physical disability, or anxiety; however, those not working were significantly more depressed (P < .05). A major factor related to failure to return to work may be that the majority of this lower socioeconomic group of patients worked as laborers and did not have the education or training to find alternative jobs.