Syncope increases risk of occupational accidents and job termination

Syncope increases risk of occupational accidents and job termination Syncope, or fainting episode, increases the risk of occupational accidents and loss of employment, says a new Danish study published April 18, 2017 in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. Those who had syncope were at a 1.4-fold increased risk of occupational accidents compared with the employed general population. The 2-year risk of termination of employment after syncope was 31.3%, which was twice the risk compared with the control. Patients with recurrent syncope, who were younger than 40 years, belonged to poor socioeconomic status or had comorbid cardiovascular disease or depression, were particularly at high risk of workplace accidents or loss of employment. In addition to the direct clinical impact of syncope on morbidity and mortality, the findings of this study highlight an indirect effect of the condition. Although the study did not establish a cause-effect relationship, it showed a significant association between syncope and work-related adverse outcomes, including occupational accidents and termination of employment. Syncope is not life threatening, but it can be worrying to the patient and interfere with quality of life. Patients who have recurrent episodes should undergo thorough evaluation as recommended in the latest 'ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Syncope' published this year and helped to reduce occupational risks and maintain their employment. (Source: AHA News Release, April 18, 2017) Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA & HCFI