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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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So I was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy back in June 2022 it’s now November 2022 and he says my condition has improved but I can’t find anything on DOTs regulations for it and it’s all out dated these are my new updated measurements after being on metoprolol
LV Diastolic Diameter PLAX
4.2 – 5.91 3.9 – 5.3
cm
LV Systolic Diameter PLAX
2.1 – 4.0 cm
IVS Diastolic Thickness
LVPW Diastolic Thickness
Estimated LV Ejection Fraction
LV Eiection Fraction MOD 4C
IV Ejection Fraction 4C AL
4.3 cm
1.7 cm
1.9 cm
1.7 cm
75 9
67.18
66.7%
DOPPLER
AV Peak Velocity
AV Peak Gradient
AV Mean Gradient
1.9 m/s
14.6 mmHo
8 mmHg
* Indicates values subject to auto-interpretation
LV EF:
75
FINDINGS
Left Ventricle
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with obstruction – 2.3 cm septal thickness,
1.7 cm posterior wall thickness.. Peak velocity is
4.3 m/s. 77 mmHg.
The left ventricular eiection fraction is visually estimated to be 75%.
I have had no symptoms of HCM I want to get back in the truck but my cardiologist advised me not to drive commercial until further notice, what are the guidelines and where do I find them, im a Nevada CDL holder if that helps thank you very much
@ Justin
DOT/FMCSA recommend that a driver with your diagnosis not be certified until fully cleared by your cardiologist. Then you will need a medical release from the cardiologist and DOT/FMCSA medical examinations will be yearly
6 years ago my husband was told by the DOT physician that he had heart arrhythmia and he had to see a cardiologist. He followed all instructions and after EKG, stress test and wearing a monitor that he did not have arrhythmia. This was confirmed by his primary physician as well. For 3 years he could only get a 1 year card. 2 years ago he was issued a 2 year card but told if they heard anything he would have ro go thru process again. Today he was refused his card and told that his cardiologist has to sign off. He does not have a cardiologist because he does not have a heart problem. His card expires Dec 18 and due to not being esrablished patient he can not get an appointment with a cardiologist until after 1st of year. Nothing was heard today but because this is in his file they a requiring the sign off before a new card is issued. Is this correct? Very frustating for him that a DOT physcian thought they heard arrhythmia and now he has to go thru time and expense. Any recommendations
@ Sue
Go get a second opinion somewhere else.
I have a ascending thoratic aneurysm. 4.1 cm not bleeding. Can I still get a dot health card
@ Marcus c
It may raise questions, but you should be fine. The CME may request additional documentation.
I have been diagnosed with pvc heartbeats. It is 12% of my beats. I have had a echo cardio gram. My cardiologist said it was normal. I then had my dot physical and provided them with the information along with clearance from my cardiologist to drive. My dot doctor would only issue me a three month card and said if it doesn’t clear up in three months I will not be issued a new card? Based on Every thing I have read I think the doctor is wrong. What can I do?
@ William K
You go get a second opinion.
I have had a pacemaker/ICD since I was 6yrs old. I am now 22yrs old. I visit my electrophysiologist every 3-6 months for a EKG, Stress test, and Pacemaker interrogation. I recently got offered a job for highway operations technician trainee NJDOT. I was denied my CDL because of my ICD. I did not know that having an ICD disqualifies you from a CDL. My question is, am I still able to get an exemption for my CDL since I will only traveling intrastate (within the state of New Jersey). Ive also been contacting the FMCSA for the past 2 months trying to get an answer on whether or not I qualify for an exemption but they have not given me an answer. Every time I call I get the same response “all we can do is send your request up to our medical review board. All you can do is wait.”
Thanks for the help.
@ Skylar A
Check with your local drivers license department (DLD). Your CDL is a state issued document and not federal. Also, you will fall under the state guidelines and variances, not Federal DOT/FMCSA. So don’t waste time there. If you have a valid drivers license, then it is highly likely that you can have a intra-state only cdl.
Confirm this with your local DLD.
I have CAD, my widow maker has some blockage in it, but not enough requiing a stint or anything, & have no problems from a nuclear stress test. Do I need a letter ir anything for my DOT Physical? If so, is there an example letter that I can print out and signed by the appropriate people. Thank you!
@ Arlyn C
You will need a medical release form from your cardiologist stating your present situation and prognosis. Your doctor should already have this type of form. If not, get a copy from your DOT medical examiner.
I have been diagnosed mild left ventricle hypertrophy. Will this disqualify me for my cdl
@ Randy
If the condition does not interfere with your ability to operate a cmv and still fill the job requirements of a cmv operator, then you should be OK. The examiner will request some supporting documentation from your cardiologist.
My husband had aortic valve replacement and aortic root replacement. A week later he had a pacemaker implanted. His surgeons have cleared him to return to work but when he went to DOT doctor to provide paperwork he was told he couldn’t return until 3 months after valve replacement surgery. Is this correct? He drives a public transit bus. Are there any rules regarding pacemakers?
@ Robin G
If he holds a class A cdl, then the medical examiner is correct. But, if he holds a lesser class cdl then he falls under your states guidelines and variances. Make sure the examiner is using the correct guidelines. Confirm with your local DLD for clarification.
How many stents are you allowed to have before you are disqualified? Already have one from six years ago. From WI
@ Kenneth De J
It is about hearth function not number of stents. Cardiologist documentation and a medical release with a stress test every two years.
I had a stress test done in March 29, 2022. We are in Oct. of 22. Will my stress test in March 22 be sufficient for Oct. 22? My state if Alabama
@ Mike B
DOT/FMCSA needs a stress test every two years, so you are good to go.
I had an irregular heartbeat but I did a workout and the car says it’s just cardiac arrhythmias and not atrial fibrillation. Can I be approved for my medical certification?
@ Sam
The CME may request additional information from your cardiologist to support your claim.
What do I need to get from cardiologist for my CME every year after my bypass to get recertification
@ Andrew S
A medical release form from your cardiologist and a stress test result report to be done every two years.
what is the mandatory waiting period to go back to work (CDL Class A) truck driver per DOT after having 2 stents placed in the veins in my abdomen?
@ Scott
It will depend on what other conditions prompted the procedure in the first place.
I have a driver that is having an ablation and then will be able to go off medication. When will he be able to return to drive? We are an Indiana DOT Public Transit provider. Our D & A guidelines are determined by FTA and our Fit for Duty physicals are governed by FMCSA.
@ Betsy
One month waiting period and medical card certification will be reduced to every year.
I have no heart disease of any kind but had a PFO closure done not on any meds for it either so why am I being told that I must have a release from my cardiologist that states I am allowed to resume normal activities and return to work with no restrictions three months after having the surgery done?
@ S Proper
DOT/FMCSA sees it as a cardiac procedure that may have been prompted by symptoms. Possible likelihood of stroke or mini stroke is what warrants the waiting period. Clearance from risk factors are requested from the cardiologist, since this is his field of expertise.
Your cardiologist knows your condition and situation, but does not have a background in DOT/FMCSA regulations and guidelines.
With a letter from my cardiologist, can I get MDOT certification if my ejection fraction number is under 40?
@ Scott
For a class A cdl, DOT/FMCSA wants a LVEF of 40% or better. Lesser class cdl falls under the state guidelines and variances, so check with your local DLD for confirmation.
I have a severe phobia of needles. Is a blood test required?
@ John
No blood work is required for a DOT/FMCSA medical certification card.
How long do I have to wait to return to driving after having a Heart attack and stents
@ Robert H
2 months, with yearly DOT/FMCSA medical evaluation.
Had an EVAR 6 weeks ago, had my follow up and scans and have had a cardiac clearance by my vascular doctor and have been discharged by the vascular surgeon. My dot physical is up for renewal in October. Went to have renewed and they told me to come back after 3 months (from procedure date), this was not an open surgery, it’s just a stent graft. Does the 3 month apply if I’m compliant with my doctors followup, which I won’t see for another 6 months? And if so how do I keep my CDL from being downgraded? The clinic told me I could seek a second opinion, should I?
@ Terry
According to the DOT/FMCSA guidelines and regulations, there is a three months waiting period before returning to driving, for a class A driver. You could get a second opinion, but most likely will end the same way.
As for the cdl, it is a state issued document and you will need to contact your local DLD, explain your situation and follow their recommendations.
every how many years do you need to have a stress test or other tests to determine your heart condition
@ Mohammad
If you had a heart attack, every two years. For as long as you are driving with a class A cdl.
Had a cardiac cath 9 years ago. No stents and no issues. Do i need any testing done before my dot physical
@ fred
CME may request a medical release form from your doctor.
How soon do I have to have a Stress test and DOT physical after 2 months off driving. I had stents .
@ Robert H
Once completely released to return to work, without restrictions or limitations, you can get your medical examination. You will need stress test results when you go for your certification examination.