Preoperative employment and blue-collar occupation were independent predictors of returning to work after coronary artery bypass in patients under 50 years of age.
Observational (n=172)
What factors are associated with return to work and quality of life in patients aged under 50 years undergoing primary coronary artery bypass?
Preoperative employment and blue-collar occupation are strong independent predictors of returning to work after coronary artery bypass in patients under 50, which is associated with significantly better quality of life.
BACKGROUND: This study was designed to identify factors associated with return to work and quality of life in patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass at age <50 years. METHODS: 172 patients<50-years old underwent primary coronary artery bypass between January 2000 and December 2006. Predictors of return to work were analysed from variables in a prospectively collected database and on follow-up by the SF-36 questionnaire in 129 (75%) patients. RESULTS: 136 (79%) patients were working prior to surgery. The educational level was: primary 14.5%, secondary 47%, trade 22%, tertiary 13%, and postgraduate 3%. Type of occupation was blue collar 51%, white collar 41%, pensioner 27%, and unspecfied 8%. The mean follow-up was 86.4±23.4 months. One hundred and twenty-six (69%) patients attended cardiac rehabilitation. Forty (23%) patients experienced recurrence of symptoms; 11 (6%) required reintervention. One hundred and twenty-seven (93%) patients returned to work postoperatively. Univariate predictors of return to work were male sex, blue-collar work, and working prior to surgery. Independent predictors of return to work were working prior to surgery and blue-collar work. Patients who returned to work had significantly higher scores in all 8 domains on the SF36-Questionnaire compared to those who did not return to work. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative employment and blue collar occupation were associated with a higher rate of return to work after coronary artery bypass in patients of working age. Patients who returned to work had significantly better measured quality of life than those who did not.
Pinto et al. (Wed,) conducted a observational in Coronary artery disease requiring primary coronary artery bypass (n=172). Preoperative employment and blue-collar occupation vs. No preoperative employment and non-blue-collar occupation was evaluated on Return to work postoperatively. Preoperative employment and blue-collar occupation were independent predictors of returning to work after coronary artery bypass in patients under 50 years of age.