Coronary artery disease is a frequent pathology leading to an important mortality and morbidity. The timing and rate to return-to-work (RTW) after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) reflect the impact of the disease on patients’ quality of life, as well as its economical impact.

To assess the rate and timing of RTW after an ACS treated by percutaneous coronary intervention, to determine clinical and psychosocial factors associated with RTW, and to assess the impact of a therapeutic education program on patients’ long-term modifications of daily lifestyle, for secondary prevention.

Patients under the age of 60 who followed a 3-week cardiac rehabilitation program in the Perharidy Center (Roscoff, France) in 2013 after an ACS treated with percutaneous coronary intervention were screened. Current data were obtained by questionnaires assessing the RTW or not, timing and modalities of RTW or reason of non-RTW (NRTW), emergency hospitalization since ACS, changes of the daily habits immediately after the ACS and at the time of the study. Medical data were obtained from the computerized medical files.

Sixty nine patients (mean age 50.1±7.2 years, 58 men) were included in the final analysis. Fifty eight patients (84%) had returned to work. Mean delay between ACS and RTW was 115±100 days (7 – 547), with a median of 78 days. In multivariate analysis, impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) under 45% was the only independent variable associated to NRTW (p= 0.008). Seventeen patients (29%) returned early to work. Modifications of daily lifestyle showed a good adherence to the therapeutic educational program.

The rate of RTW was 84%. Mean delay for RTW was 115 days. Impaired LVEF was the only independent factor of NRTW.

The author hereby declares no conflict of interest