[Evaluating work capacity after myocardial infarct]

Work resumption of patients after myocardial infarction is primarily dependent on left-ventricular function, stress-related ischemia and rhythm-disturbances, additionally the general physical and psychological state play an important role. -The basic examination includes not only the history and physical examination, but also resting ECG, ECG exercise testing, 2-dimensional echocardiogramm and Holter-ECG. Additionally, stress-echocardiogramm, nuclear exercise testing and invasive procedures can be necessary. It is possible to estimate the work-capacity of the patient by classifying the ECG testing and by regarding further details of the disease. The return-to-work-rate does not only depend on the severity of a CHD, but also on the age, education, social class, high physical activity during work, job related satisfaction, family situation and available suitable jobs on the labor market.