Returning to work with a heart condition
Most people can return to
work even if they have been diagnosed with a
heart condition, or had
a heart attack
or heart
procedure.
However, it's natural to feel worried about how soon you can go
back to work and whether you can carry on doing the same
job you were doing before.
When can I return to work?
The type of heart condition you have, how
severe it is, how quickly you
recover and whether your condition is stable will
be major factors in how soon you can return to work. You’re more
likely to be able to work if your condition is stable and the
symptoms are well controlled. It will also depend on what type of
work you do.
Your GP or heart specialist will help you decide when you
are fit enough to return to work. They will also
help you to decide whether you can return to full-time
work straight away or if it would be advisable
to work part-time to begin with.
Can I go back to the same job?
You might go back to exactly the same job you were doing before
or you might need to talk to your employer about making
changes to your workload or role.
This may be temporary or permanent.
If your job involves driving, you will need to check with
the DVLA
(who provide advice on national guidelines for driving) and your
employer about any restrictions that may apply to
you.
You might even decide to give up your current job and
retrain for a job that will suit you better.
Can I do manual work?
If you do manual work that involves lifting or
moving heavy objects, or
operating heavy equipment, you
should talk to your GP or heart specialist about it. If they tell
you to avoid it, talk to your employer about
what changes they can make to your role to allow you to
continue your employment. This will not always be possible but
most employers will do what they can to help you.
If you get chest pain or discomfort at any time
you shouldn’t lift heavy objects or operate heavy equipment unless
your doctor has said that it's alright for you to do so. If you
feel short of breath or get
palpitations with heavy lifting you should also
talk to your doctor.
Some of the medications that you have been
prescribed may also mean that you cannot operate heavy machinery.
Check and consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
Will my pacemaker or ICD affect my
job?
As a result of your heart condition you may
have had a pacemaker or
Implantable Cardioverter
Defibrillator (ICD) fitted. Speak to your safety
officer at your place of work about any magnets, electromagnets or
other equipment used. If you are worried about any of the
equipment used, your pacemaker or ICD clinic will be able to
advise you.
Visit the Medicines and Healthcare
Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) website
too for the latest up-to-date information.
For more information
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