The Relationship Between Coronary Artery Angiographic Characteristics, Occupational Factors, and Return to Work

OBJECTIVE
Coronary artery disease is one of the most common causes of disability and work loss among working-age individuals. Since the ability to return to work after cardiovascular events depends on several factors, identifying these factors can be helpful in treatment planning and effective rehabilitation. In this study, we aimed to assess the employment status and related factors one year after angiography in patients with stable angina and acute coronary syndrome and to investigate the impact of occupational factors on angiographic characteristics.


METHODS
This retrospective study included 447 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent angiography between February 2020 and March 2021 at a teaching hospital. Data regarding employment status and other related variables, including the Job Content Questionnaire, were collected through medical record reviews and telephone interviews one year after hospital discharge. The participants’ occupational factors and return-to-work status were then compared.


RESULTS
One year after angiography, the rate of returning to work was 70%. Of these, 86.3% had resumed their previous job. Factors associated with a reduced return to work included major coronary artery involvement, a history of hypertension, lower ejection fraction, and increased hospitalization days. Occupational risk factors such as low income, longer working hours, and high job demand also decreased the likelihood of returning to employment.


CONCLUSION
Various clinical and socioeconomic factors can predict the probability of returning to work after angiography in patients with coronary artery disease. Considering these factors could be useful in formulating clinical guidelines to improve employment outcomes for these patients.