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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.
Can you have a class A OTR CDL after a heart transplant in Nebraska?
@ Sandra S-C
DOT/FMCSA has a one year waiting period following transplant. With proper medical documentation from your cardiologist, you can have a class A and your medical card examination must be done every six months.
Can a truck driver get a CDL if they have a LVAD?
@ roni
Class A, OTR, no. Lesser class cdl and intra-state only, maybe. You will fall under the states guidelines and variances.
If a person has an aortic anywrism of 4.5 does that disqualify them from cdl.
@ Shawn
4.5 does not disqualify from cdl. It does need to be asymptomatic. Your medical card will renew for one year at a time and will require a recent ultrasound, each time, to confirm no changes in size.
I was recently diagnosed with (Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction). Can I still carry my cdl with this condition?
@ Candy
Much will depend on the class cdl you carry.
I had a stent placed on October 23, 2023 I am a school bus driver My heart pumping is 35-40% can i be released to drive?
@ Donna J C
You fall under the states guidelines and variances not federal DOT/FMCSA, so confirm with your local drivers license department.
I had a annuloplasty. Heart valve repair. What are my requirements to pass my DOT medical exam. I will have a 100% release to drive a commercial vehicle per my Cardiology team. My medical card has expired during procedure recovery window.
@ Joseph K
With proper medical documentation and a full medical release from your cardiac team, you should be good to go. Medical card will be for one year at the time, from now on.
Had a heart attack in May of 2020. Came back to drive in January of 2021 with a echo showing my EF of 57%. I’ve gotten two medical card since the echo. It’s now past two years so wondering do I need another echo?? I understand the stress test needed every two years but can’t find info if a new echo is also required every two years?? Thank you.
@ Tim H
DOT/FMCSA, stress test every two years, yes. Echo, only if the CME feels he needs additional imaging.
Thank you!
@ Tim H
You are welcome.
I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, after fluid was found in my lungs February 2023, due to an ultrasound of my gall bladder. No MI, No bypass, No stents, no blockage. I don’t have symptoms of syncope, dyspnea or collapse. All EKGs are NSR, blood pressure is normal. I have an EF less than 40.
@ Michelle A
And the questions is…? For a class A cdl, LVEF has to be above 40% to pass a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. Lesser class cdl’s fall under the states guidelines and variances.
I was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. I was seen by an electrophysiology cardiologist who stated my condition was very mild. I’m not on any medications, no scar tissues, etc. Per the cardiologist, he didn’t see any risk factors. Will I be able to pass the DOT physical with this diagnosis?