Factors predicting working status after aortocoronary bypass surgery

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Occupational Health
• Socioeconomic Factors in Health

Background:

• Aortocoronary bypass surgery is a common procedure for coronary artery disease.
• Assessing long-term return-to-work rates and influencing factors is crucial for patient recovery and economic well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the working status of patients after aortocoronary bypass surgery.
• To identify socioeconomic and clinical predictors of postoperative employment.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 1165 patients (mean age 49.8 years) were followed for 7-77 months post-surgery.
• Multivariate analysis was used to identify predictors of working status at various time points.

Main Results:

• 76% of patients eventually returned to work, but only 56% were employed at 6 months post-surgery.
• Employment peaked at 2 years (66%) and declined thereafter, never reaching preoperative levels (84% at 12 months prior).
• Predictors of unemployment included long-term preoperative unemployment, strenuous physical occupation, low education, noncardiovascular illness, and angina severity/duration.

Conclusions:

• Return to work after bypass surgery is common but often delayed and may not reach pre-illness levels.
• Socioeconomic and clinical factors significantly influence postoperative employment outcomes.
• Interventions targeting modifiable preoperative and postoperative variables may improve return-to-work rates.