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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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Your comments are also welcome.
I let my CDL A lapse and am interested in regaining it. However, a few years ago I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, but I have a recovered ejection fraction. Would I need to get clearance from my cardiologist first before trying to get the DOT physical done? If so what would the document need to state?
@ Christine B
Note from cardiologist needs to indicate that your LVEF is above 40% and a medical release form from your physicians.
If a driver’s certification expires while he is out during 3 month wait after coronary bypass will he be downgraded?
@ terry h
Probably not if the drivers license department is aware of the situation. Check with your local DLD for guidance in their process for this issue.
Can you get you CDL after heart transplant?
@ Steve
It is possible with proper documentation from your cardiologist.
Do I need to disclose to the DOT medical examiner that I had double pass surgery two and half years ago if I have already been cleared by my doctor two years ago?
@ Brian
Yes. Your doctor can clear you for work, but the CME has to clear you through the DOT/FMCSA guidelines and regulations.
I had a stroke in 2016 and they have put a loop recorder in my chest my blood thickens and on a blood thinner would I get a 2 year or 1 year cert
@ dana
One year at a time.
I had heart bypass 14 years ago do I still have to do a stress test every two years
@ Allen
DOT/FMCSA for a class A interstate driver, yes, stress test every two years.
Can you keep CDL drive OTR with a Life Vest & being on Entresto & Aspirin?
@ Kim S
Highly unlikely, maybe intra-state only. But your CME will need supporting medical documentation from your physician before he make his final decision.
Open heart two valves will be repaired and will have one bypass. Will I be able to get my CDL up graded to interstate. After 90 days with stress test and ok from heart doctor?
@ Robert
The CME may have additional questions for your physician. Bring what you have for supporting documentation so the CME can decide what else he may need to aid in his decision making process.