The psychological effects following a myocardial infarction on one's outlook of a work career : a qualitative study

Abstract

Coronary heart disease, resulting in myocardial infarction, is one of the major health issues affecting today's population including those of working age. This disease not only affects the individual but has a repercussion on the budget of the country offering medical treatment and that also suffer from loss of work force. This is more relevant today when the ratio of pensioners to workers is increasing. Therefore, if persons who suffer a myocardial infarction are rehabilitated effectively, this will benefit the individual, his immediate contacts and the nation as a whole. Effective rehabilitation does not only consider physical health, but has to include the psychological factors associated with the disease. Seven interviews with persons, who experienced a myocardial infarction and resumed their career after the incident, were carried out in this study. A psychological analysis of the results follows the interviews with the aim of identifying those issues which influence the decision process of the affected individuals. The results indicate that physical and mental health, family, stress, working conditions, socioeconomic status and coping strategies play a major role in the decision process. It has also been observed that the interaction between these factors varied from one person to another. Suggestions as to the psychological treatment provided to patients, rehabilitation programmes for patients, contacts, and work environment, are given in this study. Finally, further studies covering the relationship between myocardial infarction and other variables like gender, age, level of education, are recommended.