Hypertension and cardia arrythmia's

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by DoctorDemento, Feb 23, 2009.

  1. DoctorDemento

    DoctorDemento Bobtail Member

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    Feb 8, 2009
    Cary, NC
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    I have a long history of high blood pressue controlled with Lotrel and I was diagnosed with Atrial fibrilation in 2001 at which time I was put on coumadin. In addition I take drugs for high cholesterol and trigycerides (doesn't everyone over 50).

    Well my doctor just added lopressor to my regiment which is a beta blocker to further control the occasional irregular heart rate ...

    My concern is passing the DOT physical. In reviewing the FMSCA website it doesn't mention A-fib as an issue. I couldn't find anything regarding the beta blocker.

    Does anyone have any insight?
     
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  3. trips74

    trips74 Medium Load Member

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    chicagoland, il
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    Not sure about what was listed but I pass my physical with being on a small antenol prescription for hypertension. Your best bet is find a local dot doctor there noramly at the local medical clinics and ask before you go for a physical. Also ask your own doctor is he feels your able too handle the lifestyle. The job itself is pretty easy but its the lifestyle that gets most people. Good luck.
     
  4. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    Should not be a problem to pass the physical. However, alot of the companies have more stringent requirements through their in house medical advisor.

    I know some commercial drivers with stints and bypasses that still drive commercially. They have to be certified by the cardiologist.
     
    DoctorDemento Thanks this.
  5. psanderson

    psanderson Road Train Member

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    Oct 13, 2008
    Moline, Illinois
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    From the federal rules.

    (4) Has no current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other cardiovascular disease of a variety known to be accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure

    (5) Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with his/her ability to control and drive a commercial motor vehicle safely;

    (6) Has no current clinical diagnosis of high blood pressure likely to interfere with his/her ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely;

    (7) Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or vascular disease which interferes with his/her ability to control and operate a commercial motor vehicle safely;

    From a retired federal DOT official
     
  6. Red Fox

    Red Fox Road Train Member

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    Acworth, Ga.
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    Ten years back I had congestive failure resulting in a pacer put in. I had arrythmias for over 25 years that led to it. On Atenelol, I virtually went into fatigue syndrome; felt like crap all the time. The VA gave me an Ablation procedure 3 years ago (six hours of hell on a table) and I have NEVER had ONE arrythmia since. I also dropped all medicines then and am feeling great ever since.
    True, I work out and diet well, but I've not felt better and can outperform the young guys on my crews, except for long days of work. But I'm 55, so I have an excuse.
    I go in next wed. for a stress test to prove the Ejection Factor of the heart again, so I can qualify the DOT physical, which is on hold for now due to the old records. I've never had any trouble with congestive failure but that one time, and the pacer controls the atrial part of the beats. This doesn't disqualify me, I found out.
    Also, take it easy on the cheese and cholesterol producing foods.
     
  7. DoctorDemento

    DoctorDemento Bobtail Member

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    Feb 8, 2009
    Cary, NC
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    Thanks Red Fox that means there is nope :biggrin_25525:
     
  8. Red Fox

    Red Fox Road Train Member

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    Jan 26, 2009
    Acworth, Ga.
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    Heheh, that a typo or a double entendre? :smt024
     
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