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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 have congestive heart failure stage C can I pass the CDL Medical exam?
@ Barry D P
For a class A cdl, you will have difficulty passing the federal medical certification examination. Lesser class cdl’s fall under the states requirements and regulations.
I have an Ejection Fraction of 20-25% Can I still drive my truck? Where does it state that I cannot drive with an EF that low?! I need to work.
@ Hamit
DOT/FMCSA for a class A, LVEF must be 40% or better. Lesser class cdl or intra-state only falls under the state regulations.
I have a CRT-D Model# G447 pacemaker/defibrillator. Will I be able to get my medical card in North Carolina?
@ Tony N
It will depend on the class cdl you are going to carry.
I had a Stent 6 years ago and 2 years ago had a mild heart attack not from blockage. Spasm. Cath was clean . Echo normal ekg normal, so I asked my cardiac dr since it’s been 2 years for a stress test. He refused to do it stating it’s not needed. My heart is completely healthy. Not on cardiac meds. Only bp meds and we’ll controlled by primary dr. Cardiac dr said he would write a letter stating I’m safe to drive cmv and stress test not needed. What do I do.
@ Stayce W
Most will depend on your cdl class. Class A fall under the federal government and lesser class cdl’s are under states requirements. Federal requires a stress test every two years. States have different regulations. You can see if the CME will accept the letter, if you are class A. It should be taken on a case by case basis, but no guarantees.
I have a bus driver in Ohio and he recently had a loop recorder placed for 5 years. Will this disqualify him from driving the CDL vehicle in Ohio.
@ Debora
Probably not an issue, do confirm with Ohio drivers license department for confirmation.
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.