Am I entitled to compensation for work injuries in the nature of heart attacks and related heart problems caused by physical exertion or trauma related to my employment?
A. Injured workers’ heart attacks, episodes of angina, and other heart related problems are compensable work injuries provided these conditions are caused by physical exertion or trauma related to injured workers’ employment. This also includes pre-existing heart conditions that are aggravated or accelerated as the result of physical work exertion or trauma. Accordingly, even if you have an underlying disease or condition which affects your heart and is not caused by your employment, you will not be disqualified from receiving workers’ compensation benefits if work related physical exertion or trauma causes you to have a heart attack, angina, or other conditions and symptoms.
