Summary

This review showed that most patients can return to work after myocardial infarction (MI). Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a less debilitating coronary artery intervention than coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Hence, it contributes towards more rapid return to work, although in the long run there are no differences in sick leave. People at higher ages or with physically demanding jobs return to work to a lesser degree. An international comparison shows that the duration of sick leave varies greatly and that there is no clear scientific evidence to provide guidance as to the duration and degree of sickness absence. Research on sick leave in cardiac patients is scarce in recent years. Developments in acute coronary care should inspire renewed scientific involvement in this area of research