Table 3 Prognostic factors significantly increasing the chance of successful return to work in myocardial infarction (MI) patients
StudyNielsen et al 200414Hamalainen et al 200415Boudrez and de Backer 200011Froom et al 199910
Only MIMI and LVEF* ⩽35%
Study populationEmployees with MI admitted to hospital (n  =  195; 88% male†; 31% ⩾60 years old)Employees with MI admitted to hospital (n  =  47; 88% male†; 31% ⩾60 years old)Employees with MI admitted to hospital (n  =  5047; 86% male; all 35–59 years old at start of study)Employees with MI admitted to hospital (n  =  90; 93% male; mean age 49 years)Employees with MI admitted to occupational health clinic (n  =  216; 91.7% male; 30.6% >54 years old)
Location of studyDenmarkDenmarkFinlandBelgiumIsrael
Source of data on prognostic factorsMedical records and interviewsMedical records and interviewsNational and social security registrationsMedical records and questionnairesMedical records
Length of work disability at start of studyCurrently not working because of hospital admittance for acute MICurrently not working because of hospital admittance for acute MICurrently not working because of hospital admittance for acute MICurrently not working because of hospital admittance for acute MI3 months (range 1–14) not working after MI
Definition of successful RTWResumption of old job or start of new job, on full- or part-time basisResumption of old job or start of new job, on full- or part-time basisLong-term disability pensionReturn to work (not specified)Resumption of old job or start of new job, on full-time basis
Follow-up4 years4 years2 years1 year2 years
Prognostic factors⩽60 years old⩽60 years oldLower age (per 5 years)⩽54 years old
male
No financial basis on which to retire
No anxiety attacks
Light or sedentary jobLower physical exertion jobWorkload ⩽5 METs‡
Short time interval between MI and presentation at occupational medicine clinic
Not suffering from diabetes
LVEF† >35%No heart failure at admission
Non-Q-wave MI
No angina before MI
No atrial fibrillation
Fewer somatic complaints

  • * Left ventricular ejection fraction; † percentage refers to n  =  242 (195 MI + 47 MI with LVEF ⩽35%) patients; ‡ metabolic equivalent.