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Heart failure - chronic - Management
What are the rules about driving and chronic heart failure?
- The latest information from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) regarding medical fitness to drive can be obtained at www.dvla.gov.uk.
- It is the person's responsibility to inform the DVLA of any condition that may affect their ability to drive.
- The DVLA's medical rules regarding heart failure are:
- For group 1 entitlement (cars, motorcycles)
- Driving may continue, provided there are no symptoms that may distract the driver's attention.
- The DVLA need not be notified.
- For group 2 entitlement (lorries, buses)
- The person is disqualified from driving if symptomatic.
- Re-licensing may be permitted, provided that the left ventricular ejection fraction is at least 40% and there is no other disqualifying condition.
- Exercise or other functional testing may be required, depending on the likely cause of the heart failure.
- For people with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, the DVLA has specific recommendations (not detailed here).
- People should check with their insurer that they are still covered for driving.
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