ICD and Driving

[DaiHatsu]

I've been undergoing a lot of treatment over the past 12 months, due to an atrial tachycardia which I noticed when exercising.

I had an MI back in 2011, ejection fraction down to 40%. However, this fell to 32%, which is believed to be the cause of my issues.

With a new tablet regime (dapagliflozin and entresto) and an angioplasty, things have significantly improved (awaiting results of echocardiogram to assess recovery - but my running times are back to where they were 10 years ago).

However, the electro-cardiologist still recommends an ICD.

As this is preventative / an 'insurance' policy, does anyone know the definitive guidance on driving post operation? - I believe it's 1 month suspension, as I haven't had any incidents requiring treatment / a shock.

It also looks like it would block me from holding a bus or lorry licence - so this does have a knock-on impact on potentially driving a larger motorhome from what I can tell (ie. over 3.5 tonnes).

Any advice welcome! - I'm unsure if I really need the ICD and having one does mean some restrictions in the future.

[Macracken58]

Morning

I’d double check with DVLA just so you get the official info. I think it’s a personal decision whether to have it fitted or not but maybe nice to have a backup for any possible episodes.

[L8Again]

All the restrictions are here:

gov.uk/guidance/cardiovascu...

[DaiHatsu in reply to L8Again]

Yeah, I've read all that. Seems to suggest that, as it's a precautionary implant, it's 4 weeks off driving. But I also see people saying the DVLA have tried to put them on a 6 month suspension when informed!

I'm very concerned about the prospect of a false shock leading to a 6 month suspension - and it's driving my thought process right now. I'm unlikely to need a shock in daily life, one of my 2 cardiologists said he could see me going 10 years without any shocks, which he says complicates replacement decisions...

If I got a false shock and a 6 month suspension, I could very well lose my job and not be able to find another similarly paid role. I've spent 30 years to get where I am today and really don't want a false shock to destroy my career!