Can I drive?

[Barb959]

I have been diagnosed with Microvascular Angina, I get it mostly at rest. I have read on the DVLA site if you have Angina at rest you should not drive. Does this also include MA? Anyone any idea please

Thanks Barb x

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Barb959

It is a very important question.

I live with vasospastic and microvascular. I asked my GP and Cardiologist both say it is okay for me to drive.

I suggest you ask your GP or Cardiologist.

[Barb959 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks Milkfairy, it’s so confusing as I have just seen the cardiologist and he says yes you can drive as it’s not unstable angina, but it does say on the DVLA You can’t if Angina happens at rest.

Barb x

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Barb959]

I agree it's really confusing.

Pain at rest due to obstructive coronary heart disease is considered to be unstable angina which can lead to a heart attack.

I don't drive on motorways anymore just short distances.

[Barb959 in reply to Milkfairy]

Hi Milkfairy, the consultant said I don’t have unstable angina, it’s MVA. It’s nothing to worry about and I can drive. But what I have read on this site it’s not so black and white. I am really confused.

Thanks x

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Barb959]

It is confusing.

The DVLA probably wrote the advice without considering MVA or Vasospastic angina.

I also do not drive if my condition becomes unstable which it does from time to time even with treatment.

Perhaps as Tynemouth suggests we should contact the DVLA.

MVA and VSA effects each of us differently which also makes a the vagueness of the advice from the DVLA and our Cardiologists so unhelpful!

[Jils]

Hi...I am being treated for unstable angina and no one has told me that I cannot drive x

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Jils]

This is what DVLA says

'You don’t need to tell DVLA if you have angina.

You may continue to drive if you have angina (even if you need medication) unless it happens while resting, driving, or with emotion. You must stop driving until your symptoms are under control if it does.'

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

If you have any doubts I suggest you contact your GP.

[benjijen in reply to Jils]

I have unstable angina and have never been told not to drive either, bit worrying really! Mine is pretty well controlled now and I don't drive far any more but think this is something that should be pointed out in the literature given out after hospital admission.

[Jils in reply to benjijen]

Hi ..can I ask you please, how was your unstable angina diagnosed and what treatment have you received? I don't drive far either, but it's concerning! X

[benjijen in reply to Jils]

It wasn't diagnosed at first as my rheumatologist said the jaw pain and pain between my shoulder blades was to do with my arthritis! That incorrect diagnoses went on for about 2 years. I went into work one morning after a week holiday and was telling my colleague about it when the pain started and became really bad so they called an ambulance. Then it was diagnosed and I had angiogram and 2 stents. I've even had the pain actually wake me up during the night once and that really bothered me! I go to cardiac rehab 3 times a week and have never had pain with exercise.

[Jils in reply to benjijen]

Thank you for getting back to me. I am finding the whole process of appointments, diagnosis etc so long winded! I hope you are coping well now X

[Hidden]

I had to give up my driving licence as a result of Blepharospasm, a form of dystonia affecting my eyes. Interesting neither my GP or Consultant mentioned driving despite knowing my eyesight was affected.

I have had a quick look at the driving rules for angina. It does state quite clearly about angina at rest but gives no other context. Do you feel you are safe to drive whilst having an angina attack? I would phone the DVLA for advice, I found them very helpful.

[bee2]

While waiting in my solicitors the other week I picked up a book on Medical Conditions and DVLA. Unstable angina was listed as having to report as was certain Arythymias and other things. My thought was just as well I'm not driving as looks like I wouldn't be allowed. Check it out with a solicitor or someone.

[Barb959]

Thanks everyone for replies, i’m not comfy about driving at the moment as we are still trying to adjust medication as I get attacks almost everyday and it knocks me for six. So I won’t be driving for a while. xx

[Hidden in reply to Barb959]

In my experience the DVLA was keen to promote self assessment amongst people who drive.

For me the bottom line was would I want to put anyone at risk? It’s an emotive issue with no easy answers.