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Q&A
What if I’ve have a Myocardial Infarction (MI)?
What if I’ve have coronary artery bypass surgery?
What if I’ve have angioplasty surgery or stents?
What if I’ve have ventricular tachycardia?
Can I get a DOT medical card if I have a defibrillator?
What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?
My medical certificate only expires in nine months. What if I recently developed a medical condition that I couldn’t drive. Can I drive truck again now?
Even if you currently have a ‘current’ medical certificate, you are prohibited from driving a CMV with any medical condition that would be disqualifying or may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What if I’ve have a Myocardial Infarction (MI)?
You will need to be off work for at least two months. You will need to get an Ejection Fraction and Exercise Tolerance Test, and be cleared by your cardiologist before returning to work. This is a disqualifying medical condition, so once it is resolved, and before resuming operation of a CMV, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What if I’ve have coronary artery bypass surgery?
You will need to be off work for at least three months. You will need to get an Ejection Fraction and Exercise Tolerance Test, and be cleared by your cardiologist before returning to work. This is a disqualifying medical condition, so once it is resolved, and before resuming operation of a CMV, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What if I’ve have angioplasty surgery or stents?
You may return to work once you’ve been cleared by your cardiologist, which may be as soon as one week after the procedure. You will need to get an Exercise Tolerance Test three to six months after the procedure, and again at least every other year. This is a disqualifying medical condition, so once it is resolved, and before resuming operation of a CMV, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What if I’ve have ventricular tachycardia?
If you have recurring episodes you should be evaluated by a cardiologist to see if the underlying cause of the ventricular tachycardia is disqualifying.
Can I get a DOT medical card if I have a defibrillator?
The defibrillator is a disqualifier for inter-state driving. The defibrillator is designed to correct problems when they occur, but it still leaves a safety risk.
You may be able to drive inter-state, based on your state’s regulations.
What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?
Taking nitroglycerine is, of itself, not a disqualifier. The medical examiner may require an evaluation by your treating physician to make sure that your angina is stable.
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What EF percentage is required by DOT physical if you are a heart surgery partient
@ Helene
40% or better LVEF for class A cdl holders, required by DOT/FMCSA.
I had an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) put in back in 2018, only as a precautionary measure because they said I have HOKUM, (Athletic Heart), or thickening of the heart wall. I have never had any heart issues prior to having this done and haven’t had any issues since, as well. I previously had a class A CDL and let it lapse way before I had the procedure. I just started a new job and really need to get my class A CDL back again. Do I need to have my cardiologist write a letter to the State telling them that I am medically fit to obtain a class A CDL, or is there absolutely no chance that I can be exempt from that restriction?
@ Brett
DOT/FMCSA you are restricted, but you could try Intra-state only. This puts you under the states regulations and requirements and not federal DOT/FMCSA. Check with your state DLD for guidance in this situation.
I have a defibrillator and was disqualified at my dot physical but it is turned off and my cardiologist will write a letter saying it is but the guy still disqualified me.can I fight this decision?
@ Brandon
Try FMCSA and see what they can do to help you out.