[Return to work after myocardial infarction: evaluation and decision]

Working capacity after myocardial infarction depends on the physical and cardiovascular status, psychological repercussions and conditions of work. The latter two are much more important than the first two factors. Cardiovascular functional status is readily assessed by the large number of available investigations which leave little unknown. Exercise stress testing during the second week is the most cost-efficient investigation, providing reliable and sufficiently quantifiable data about the possible sequellae of cardiac failure on effort, ischemia and arrhythmias: an idea of the patient's functional capacity and circulatory responses (athletic, hyperkinetic) may also be obtained allowing adjustment of treatment to improve exercise capacity which goes much further than the statistical hope of prolonging survival. However, it would be naive to think that a satisfactory exercise stress test guarantees the patients' capacity to return to work. Psychological and sociological factors are more important by far. The dominant trait of the post-infarction psychological syndrome must be identified (anxiety, depression, negation): the positive and negative influences of the family, social and professional environment must be evaluated. A good knowledge of the patient's working conditions is essential to go against a number of taboos hindering the return to work (stress, stairs, restaurant meals, etc...). Finally, the medico-legal relationship between the infarct and work should not be neglected: the management of myocardial infarction when an occupational disease must respect the legislative and judicial texts which do not always correspond with everyday clinical practice. There is a lack of structures for cardiac function testing for assessing physical aptitude: we suggest that in the context of the proposed hospital reforms, departmental heads should consider setting up such units which would have a specific task respecting the spirit of these reforms. Nevertheless, cardiologists should pay more attention to the convalescent phase of infarction. This is the time when many social catastrophes can be avoided.