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Learn More About The Guidelines For Driving With A Heart Condition

A heart condition might stop you from driving for a little while, in no way does it mean that you’ll have to give up driving altogether. The length of time an individual may have to stop driving for varies, depending largely upon the heart condition one has and the type of vehicle one drives. For example, the restrictions are stricter for individuals that drive heavy goods vehicles and buses. Not just heart condition, one shouldn’t drive if you suffer from medical condition, which can suddenly cause you to lose control while driving, putting your life at risk as well as those accompanying you. Moreover, it is important that you stop driving and seek advice from your doctor right away if you experience episodes of dizziness, fainting or blackouts.

Medicines you are taking for your heart can give you side effects, such as drowsiness, which might affect your driving. It’s crucial to seek medical attention right away. After a heart surgery, doctors usually give guidelines to heal and recover fast, it also includes the time when you can resume your normal activities, including driving. 

Angina (chest pain or discomfort) – A type of chest pain that occurs due to reduced blood flow to the heart, which feels like squeezing, pressure, tightness or pain in the chest. If you ever experience angina while driving, stop the car right away. Driving may recommence when symptoms come under control. Notify your doctor. 

However, chest pain is also a sign of a heart attack. Calling 911 is advised. 

When it comes to lorries and buses, you are not always allowed to drive with an angina diagnosis. You’ll have to follow your doctor’s instructions in regards to when you can get back to driving. 

Angioplasty and Bypass Surgery (CABG) – Driving must cease for a week or so following angioplasty and for four weeks post bypass surgery. When it comes to lorries and buses, doctors recommend staying away from driving for six weeks following angioplasty and three months after bypass surgery.

ICDs (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators) - An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is a small device that is implanted in the chest that delivers electric shocks through one or more wires connected to your heart (after detecting an irregular heartbeat) to normalize an abnormal heart rhythm. In such a scenario, restrictions on driving will vary depending on the reason you have an ICD and if it has ever fired. It is best to ask your doctor for guidance about your situation.

Pacemakers- You are absolutely barred from driving for one week following pacemaker surgery. After about a month it is usually possible to resume most exercise and other routine activities. However, in case of large goods or passenger carrying vehicles, you must not drive for 6 weeks.

Heart Attack- Sometimes there are complications after a heart attack such as angina and abnormal heart rhythms, which have to be stable and symptom free before one can resume driving. When driving can be resumed completely depends on what treatment you received immediately after your heart attack. For example, you can start to drive one week after your heart attack if you’ve had been successfully treated by coronary angioplasty, provided your doctor says you are fit to drive, or there’s no other urgent treatment scheduled. You cannot drive for 4 weeks if your treatment with coronary angioplasty wasn’t successful. 

Talking about driving lorries and buses, you must not drive for at least 6 weeks and you can resume only after a cardiac assessment when your doctor gives a go-ahead. 

High Blood Pressure- You only have to stop driving if your medicines cause side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness.

As you start driving post your heart surgery, it’s advised to steer clear of heavy traffic and motorways until you know you can manage, do not drive for longer than 2 hours without a break, and stay calm and relaxed, if you find driving stressful, avoid driving for a while until you feel a little better. Follow your doctor’s instructions always. 

To register for a CPR class, contact CPR Memphis in TN on 901-438-4200.

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