Perceived cognitive function in coronary artery disease--an unrecognised predictor of unemployment

We aimed to assess whether perceived cognitive function influences employment and return to work in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Prospective longitudinal cohort study.

Health care system of Södertälje, Stockholm County, Sweden.

We included consecutive unselected patients less than 65 years of age with CAD and followed them during 2 years.

Gainful employment and return to work in patients with CAD.

We found that perceived cognitive function predicts both prevalence of unemployment [OR 2.06 (95% CI: 1.36-3.13); p = 0.0006] and early retirement and sick leave due to coronary artery disease [OR 1.59 (95% CI: 1.12-2.25)] both at baseline and 2 years later. Furthermore, perceived cognitive function predicted return to work after an acute coronary event [OR 2.28 (95% CI: 1.08-4.84)]. Covariates such as age, sex, prevalence and degree of angina (CCS grade), cardiovascular risk factors and events did not change the predictive power.

Perceived cognitive function is a hitherto unrecognised independent predictor of unemployment, sick leave and return to work in patients with coronary artery disease. Perceived cognitive function adds a new perspective on ability to gainful employment in patients with CAD. The findings might have significance both to individual care and to society.