A. Retirement
Retirement may well be a problem for many individuals, especially those who do not have enough hobbies to keep them sufficiently occupied. Often individuals become bored and depressed, therefore, retirement must be selective. If possible, it is best to get back to work because this prevents the development of neurosis and depression. There is no doubt that returning to a job that was previously distressing can lead to further harm. Patients who can afford to change jobs or retire and have enough hobbies do extremely well. The good news is that the disease may burn itself out. Individuals who have had large heart attacks with complications such as severe heart failure that restrict exercise programs are strongly advised to retire, especially if they are over 65. A change in lifestyle may be lifesaving.
B. Travel
Patients should not drive for about six weeks. If a stress test is satisfactory at three weeks, necessary flying is allowed, otherwise elective flights should be postponed beyond three months. Patients with stable angina are allowed to fly any time, but not if angina is unstable (see the chapter Angina). Patients should take along a current ECG tracing. This may save unnecessary admission to a hospital and provide a physician with a prior ECG for comparison. Nitroglycerin should be carried, too, along with all medications advised by the doctor. Oxygen is not necessary during the flight.