New regs-stress test for annual med card.

Considering how sedentary trucking is drivers should be prescribed a stress test at 40, it would enlighten many as to whether it’s time to alter lifestyle and no doubt prevent some heart failures. We had 2 guys die on the job of heart failure last year out of our small terminal. One crashed horrifically descending a grade

 

Yep it’s not a new rule. Heart attack with or without stents/surgery requires a 3 mo rehabilitation waiting period, with a passing stress test. Elective stent procedure requires a 2 week waiting period with only a Doctors release. Then every 2 yrs a stress test for maximum 1 yr card. I’d imagine Medicare should cover it.

 

it all comes down to who’s going to pay for it. If money was no object I’d go to the best cardiologist and say run every test you can, but that’s expensive.

 

Oooh. any test ordered by doctor is paid for by our govt health care in my country

 

I don't understand why you’re only required a stress test every 3 and not every 2 years. Fmcsa’s policy of every 2 years is clearly in the regs. I had one a year ago, it’s still on file at the clinic where I get my DOT 1 year card. Next month my physical is due. Should be a breeze. Last year needed another stent. Couldn’t get it done soon enough. About a week after my card expired. Add 2 week waiting period, then a check up with note from Cardiologist, before renewing my card. I tried to avoid letting it expire. Mentioned it to Cardiologist. Still lost an extra week, mainly due to holidays. Regardless, I try to get the most from the 1 year card. It’s bad enough, don’t want the equivalent of a 10 or 11 month card. Trying to keep it in January when things are slower, instead of December. It’s all a Pita.

 

You need one every other year with a cardiologist note stating you are cleared to operate a commercial vehicle. If you are a veteran, the VA will give you a treadmill stress test for free if your job requires it. A nuclear stress test is not required.

 

What are they testing for on a stress test exactly? Like if they see you doing 100 meter wind sprints out in the the parking lot they’ll probably be like “nah he’s fine” right?

 

Respirations per minute, Heart beats per minute, and BP elevation. As they increase the incline of the treadmill, the watch to see how each increases .