The Role of BMI on Return to Work after CABG

Background: Former studies reviewing return to work (RTW) rates after CABG surgery indicate that the patients` personal health perception and prior occupational status as well as LV function, surgical complications and diabetes mellitus were significant predictors. However, the influence of other characteristics such as BMI has yet to be examined thoroughly. The current study`s objective was to estimate the effect of obesity on RTW rates in patients undergoing primary isolated CABG. Its secondary goals were assessing the influence of while vs. blue collar occupations and employment quote on said RTW.

Methods: The data of 303 patients of working age were randomized from a data base on consecutive data. Occupational status one year post CABG was assessed and validated in the Occupational Medicine Department of "Clalit Medical Services" in Tel-Aviv.

Results: Prior to surgery 98.7% of the patients aged 27-67 were employed. 64.9% were blue collar workers. During the first year post surgery 66.1% of the patients returned to work and 83.3% were still employed at the time the survey. BMI ≥30 was presenting 31% of the patients. No statistically significant differences were observed regarding, risk factors or complications between patients with a BMI of 30 or more and their peers. RTW rates were similar in BMI < 30 and BMI≥30 (65.8% vs 67.4% respectively). Obesity showed a positive statistically significant, correlation to a delayed RTW after CABG (6.41 moths vs. 4.18 months, r=0.176,p=0.013). Older age also correlated with lower RTW rates. Patients who were physically active prior to the surgery tended to return earlier to work.

Conclusions: In the population undergoing primary CABG age, blue collar occupation and salary-based employment, were recognized as a predictors for delayed RTW. BMI ≥ 30 didn`t show to be predictor but weekly correlated to the late RTW. Further studies on large samples are required.