Working conditions among men before and after their first myocardial infarction: implications for a rehabilitative care strategy

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Abstract
Disability after myocardial infarction (MI) is a long-lasting problem with multidimensional consequences. The ability to work after an MI is one significant measure of whether rehabilitation is successful or not. A survey study was performed with the aim of surveying men's working situations one year before and one year after their first MI. Data was taken retrospectively from 131 health care and public health insurance files covering one decade. The study showed that individuals over 60 years of age had the most serious difficulties at work both before and after an MI (p < 0.002 and p < 0.001 respectively). An increased number of early retirements or disability pensions was found after MI, especially among blue-collar employees (p < 0.011). The study indicates that work environment and social class affiliation are two crucial factors when examining why elderly and blue-collar employees are affected. It seems possible that an insufficient coping capacity has developed from a 'bad fit' between the individual and his work environment. This may be a crucial overall factor in triggering ill health and disease.

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