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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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I had a cardioversion and went to get my dot physical and was told I had to wait 30 days. is that true?
@ Green o
That is a DOT/FMCSA recommendation.
I had a blood clot in the left ventricle but it is gone now. They say the left side of my heart is contracting slow. But my ejection fraction is above 40. I am doing a stress test next month. I have been out of work for 6 months. Will I be able to drive?
@ Justin D
If all else is within normal limits and your LVEF is above 40%, you should be OK.
I had 1 stent put in after my heart attack 3 weeks ago and after doctor visit today I am cleared to go back to work no restrictions but am told that I have to wait 2 months for dot is this correct or an I co back now
@ William R P
Class A, you have a waiting period thanks to DOT/FMCSA. Lesser class cdl’s are under your states regulations.
Almost two years ago I had a heart attack.
I had an echocardiogram done and got a release letter from Cardiologist. Last year I took release letter from Cardiologist. I called the DOT clinic and was told all I need is a letter from Cardiologist saying I’m
able to preform my duties as a driver. Is this true I’ve heard I needed a stress test every other year.
@ Lenh
DOT/FMCSA requires a stress test every two years following a heart attack. The DOT clinic may be requesting a medical release form from your cardiologist. This would be needed at each DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination.
if i have aortic valve replacement can i pass a dot physical
@ richard r
With proper medical documentation and test results, you could be fine.
I may have pvc will I be able to drive a semi
@ Curtis
It is going to raise questions and will need supporting documentation from your cardiologist and a medical release form also.
can i get a dot medical card and only drive intrastate with a difibulator.will only drive in ny but employer wants dot medical card
@ David W
Most likely, but confirm with your states drivers license department (DLD).
I have congestive heart failure would that stop me from passing a dot physical or getting CDL license?
@ Louis H W
It will put a kink in the works, but if you are not going for a class A cdl, you may be OK. Check with your local DLD for their standards and guidelines.