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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 bypass on february 19th of 2024 and have a class A CDL and only drive local for my own company that i own. How long before i can get my medical card renewed and drive per DOT in Ohio
@ scott
DOT/FMCSA class A, 3 months waiting period before renewing medical certification card.
Underwent elective PCI 2 weeks ago without angioplasty or stents, have received release from Cardiologist to return to work, asymptomatic, no injury at groin site, is FMSCA recertification required if I have valid medical certification?
@ David W
DOT/FMCSA for class A interstate drivers, new medical certification examination needs to be completed. Lesser class cdl’s will fall under the states requirements.
Diagnosed with an enlarged aorta and leaky bicuspid valve. Htn also.
Asymptomatic and cardiologist cleared me to drive (CDL A). Surgery not needed at this time. However placed a weight restriction of 50 lbs. Medical examiner would not pass even though I do not lift more than 50 lbs.
@ Amy
DOT/FMCSA for a class A driver should not have restrictions or limitations which are related to the job description of a CMV operator. Get the note from your cardiologist without weight restriction.
I had rotator cuff surgery in November and have been cleared by my Dr to return to work. I have to recertify my DOT physical since I was out over 30 days. I have CHF and the DOT Dr is requiring my EF to be <=40%. I have a Class B with a P endorsement. Is the 40% only for Class A? I can’t find anything about other Class guidelines. Any help would be appreciated.
I had a mild heart attack 7 years ago. I had 1 stent put in place. How long do I need to get my cardiologist’s approval, and pass a stress test, to drive a CMV or get a DOT Physical card?
@ Roger J R
For a class A cdl, as long as you plan on driving. Stress test every two years, cardiologist release form every time you go for a new medical certification examination.
I am having a cardiac ablation done in April, my Dot physical is due in September, will the ablation disqualify me in September?
@ John
Your medical card will be invalid when you have the procedure done. With supporting medical documentation from your cardiologist at the time of your next medical certification examination, you should be fine.
Is their a waiting period for a CDL driver to get their medical examination updated after a cardiac ablation is done?
@ lsevere
Full medical release to return to work and a medical release form from your cardiologist. No specific waiting period.
One of our drivers put out of work for 30 days by DR. performing physical. What regulation covers ablations?
@ sonny k m
Not a regulation, a DOT/FMCSA guideline. Your driver will need a full return to work, without restrictions or limitations. The CME will want to confirm that the procedure was successful and the treatment has proven to be effective.
I’m a non cld driver with heart failure and needing a dot physical. Will I pass if my ef is 40
@ Rebecca
A non-cdl physical will fall under your states guidelines and variances. A LVEF of 40 or better is required by DOT/FMCSA for a class A cdl holder. Your state may have different guidelines that must be met. Check with your local DLD.
Do i need a clearance letter from my cardiologist?
@ Rebecca
You are non cdl, what does your state drivers license department require of you.
I have a patient who had an LVAD placed in 2019. He is trying to get back into CDL driving. His Cardiologist has cleared him to drive a commercial vehicle, but does the FMCSA allow these types of devices?
@ Dan
LVAD are installed in the final stages of heart failure. Battery operated device while driving an 80,000 lbs. tractor trailer. Might look at intra-state only and a 1 year medical card at best. It will fall to your final decision making process and the weight of possible risk factors for the driver and the public at large.