Dr. R. Vexler

The worker, a project superintendent at a mine, suffered an acute myocardial infarction at work following two highly stressful and confrontational meetings where he was blamed for production delays outside his control.

The WSIB initially denied entitlement, finding no unusual physical exertion or acute emotional stress.

On appeal, the Appeals Resolution Officer found the worker's testimony credible and accepted the independent medical opinion of a cardiologist that the acute emotional stress of the meetings played a causative role in the cardiac event.

The appeal was allowed, and initial entitlement for the heart condition was granted.