Work before and after coronary artery bypass grafting

Of 79 male Post Office employees in the UK undergoing first coronary artery bypass grafting in 1984 and 1985, 78 per cent resumed work, most within 2-6 months. By the end of the follow-up period (median 550 days) 65 per cent were working, 84 per cent of them normally. Prior to surgery 38 per cent had been able to work, 76 per cent of them normally. Return to work was more likely in younger employees and in those working until admission for surgery or who had only a short period off before surgery. A previous myocardial infarction made little difference to the likelihood of returning to work after surgery or continued working. The effect of type of work on work capability before and after surgery was also studied. All differences could not be related to physical demands of the job. Motivational and socioeconomic factors may have accounted for some differences.