DVLA: cardiovascular disorders

The guidelines below relate to car/motorcycle use unless specifically stated. For obvious reasons, the rules relating to drivers of heavy goods vehicles tend to be much stricter

Specific rules

• hypertension - can drive unless treatment causes unacceptable side effects, no need to notify DVLA. If Group 2 Entitlement the disqualifies from driving if resting BP consistently 180 mmHg systolic or more and/or 100 mm Hg diastolic or more
• angioplasty (elective) - 1 week off driving
• CABG - 4 weeks off driving
• acute coronary syndrome- 4 weeks off driving, 1 week if successfully treated by angioplasty
• angina - driving must cease if symptoms occur at rest/at the wheel
• pacemaker insertion - 1 week off driving
• implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): if implanted for sustained ventricular arrhythmia: cease driving for 6 months. If implanted prophylatically then cease driving for 1 month. Having an ICD results in a permanent bar for Group 2 drivers
• successful catheter ablation for an arrhythmia- 2 days off driving
• aortic aneurysm of 6cm or more - notify DVLA. Licensing will be permitted subject to annual review. An aortic diameter of 6.5 cm or more disqualifies patients from driving
• heart transplant: DVLA do not need to be notified