Table 3-6a Criteria for Rating Permanent Impairment Due to Coronary Heart Disease (36)
Guidance:
Heart disease ratings are most often performed for coronary heart disease. Class 1 impairment is not assigned if symptoms of coronary heart disease is cooroborated by physical examination or laboratory studies. Rating is based on classification which considers several factors, which include history of myocardial infacrction or angina pectoris and degree of symptomatology, the need for medication, history of surgery, the extent of focal obstruction, and results of exercise testing. The Guides advise “Reduced coronary flow resulting in transient ischemia or in permanent injury to the myocardium causes angina pectoris, which may impair a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living. Infarction or diffuse fibrosis and a decrease in EF causes permanent injury. The degree of the patient’s impairment is determined by the consequences of both the reduced coronary blood flow and the reduced ventricular function. In addition, reduced coronary blood flow and myocardial damage may cause cardiac arrhythmias.” (5th ed., 35)
