[Returning to work after an acute coronary syndrome: When waiting is wasting]

Return to work (RTW) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an important issue for the patient's future.

The study aim was to determine whether RTW practice complies with guidelines or is delayed by failure in patient management. We analysed the factors influencing RTW beyond the 90-day period recommended by guidelines.

We conducted a survey of 216 self-employed workers admitted to the hospital for ACS using self-report questionnaires and medical examination. Factors influencing RTW, occupational and cardiac features, and recall and source of medical information were investigated.

Ninety-three of 216 patients did not return to work by 90 days, despite good cardiac performance in 30 cases (32 %). The mean sick leave duration was 93.3±103.7 days. Advice concerning return to work was completely missing for 44 % of patients. Cardiac performance was independent of sick leave duration, but was correlated with the likelihood of RTW (P<0.001). Patients assimilated about 70 % of the medical information they were provided, but only 53 % of work-related information. Recall of work-related information was better among patients admitted to a rehabilitation facility (65 %) compared to those who did not receive rehabilitation (P<0.05).

Cardiologists should assess the patient's cardiac performance within 2 months after ACS. Patient management should also include cardiac rehabilitation or therapeutic education toward improving information recall.