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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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Is Heart Failure a disqualifying condition for the physical? Current EF at 42 %. Taking ENTRESTO, blood pressure under control.
@ Rowilson F
For a class A cdl holders, LVEF of 40% or better, which you are above, you may be OK. It will depends on any other physical findings that the CME must evaluate and he/she will need release forms from your doctors, with a recent stress test. (stress must be within the past two years)
Good news. I am a School Bus Driver (not active), with a Class B PS endorsements. Planning on retireing from my current position at the school, but staying as a part time driver. Thank you for clarifying.
What is the heart rate range to pass dot
DOT/FMCSA for a class A cdl: Bp below 140/90, pulse rate can run in a normal range of 60 to 80 bpm.
Hi, can a person diagnosed with AFIB drive a commercial vehicle or is it a exclusionary condition? Thanks
@ Nonya
All depends on the class cdl you hold or are going for.
If someone who carries a class A license has mitral valve repair or replacement, will they be able to drive again?
@ Beth
Yes, they will need a medical release form from their cardiologist and any documentation the CME may need in his/her decision making process. But with that information, you should be able to return to driving.
Can I get a medical card in south Dakota if I have a pacemaker?
@ Bruce H
Depends on the class cdl you have. Less than a class A interstate cdl will fall under your states regulations. Best to confirm with your local DLD.
Looking for what DOT requires are for medical recertification after a MI. I know there is a 2 months waiting period, cardiologist clearance, and my lvef was 61%, is this all I need for my DOT medical exam to be recertified? I have seen conflicting info if I need a ETT stress testing or not.
@ Chris
It looks like you have everything, but the CME may want to see a recent stress test. Best to have it and it will be good for 2 years.
Good Afternoon Trucker DOC, I have no cardio problems. Underwent a Cat scan looking for something else when a Ascending Thoracic Aneurism of 4.3 cm was observed. I went to a Vascular Surgeon who said they do not perform surgery till above 5.5.
Will this be a problem on my next DOT Medical? A Google search says 3cm is the limit followed by a recommendation to go to 5cm as the limit. What is the current limit? Thanks
@ John M
The situation will raise questions with the CME. But with medical documentation from your cardiologist, it should not be an issue. The CME will want your condition monitored and may limit the time on your medical card for that purpose.
Thanks for Your fast Reply. Planning this Monday or Tuesday, hoping for the best. Feel more assured now.
Thanks, John
I was recently diagnosed with atrial fibulation (sp?) or afib – I am taking medicine to manage it and I have no symptoms in any case. I also have high blood pressure (managed). Can I still work as city bus driver (Denver, CO)?
@ Barrett H
Since you are not a class A cdl holder, you fall under your states requirements not federal DOT/FMCSA. Confirm with your local drivers license department and follow their process.
i had an arterial flutter ablation done, will I be able to drive school bus again in iowa?
@ dale
Most likely, since you fall under your states rules and regulations and not federal DOT/FMCSA. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department.