Changes in occupation after coronary arteriography.

Abstract

This study, involving 266 white males evaluates the effect of angiographically determined mild coronary artery impairment upon occupational status. Questionnaires filled out at the time of coronary arteriography and about 13 months later showed that in the interim 65% of the patients stayed in the same occupational status, 31% changed occupational status, and 4% retired. In both younger (less than or equal to 55 years) and older men (greater than 55 years) the proportion of retirees increased after angiography. Of those who remained employed, 19% changed to jobs with higher physical demands while 11% took jobs with lower physical demands. The decision to change the job did not seem to be affected by age or the presence of angina pectoris. Comparison of this patient population with U.S. national average has shown that the presence or awareness of coronary artery disease is associated with measured increase in occupational mobility, regardless of the severity of the disease. Our findings suggest that changes in occupational status after determination of mild coronary artery disease are motivated by psychological rather than physiological factors.