Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a very important issue for the health care system. They are usually chronic diseases widespread in the society that require costly treatment and cause long-term sick absenteeism and partial or total incapacity for work. CVD are one of the most common cause of disability in Poland, therefore they constitute a medical, social and economic problem. Low occupational activity of people with CVD at working age requires special effort to develop and implement methods of their professional activation. A key role in this process should be played by physicians of occupational health services (OHS). In the case of disabled workers with cardiovascular disease, the decision about avoiding professional activity is often medically unjustified. It arises from a lack of sufficient knowledge of jurisprudence and the fear of both the physician and the employee of patient's health deteriorations. Therefore, educational actions addressed to OHS physicians and to the patients are needed to enable the patients with CVD to remain at or to return to work. Med Pr 2012;63(1):105-115

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