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Heart Rhythm Problems and Driving

Table of Contents


Overview

Is it okay to drive if you have an arrhythmia?

You can drive with an arrhythmia as long as it doesn't cause symptoms that make it dangerous for you to drive. If you have an arrhythmia or an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) that makes it dangerous for you to drive, your doctor might suggest that you stop driving, at least for a short time.

This information is about driving private vehicles. For commercial driving, the government has specific regulations about driving when you have certain medical conditions.

Your doctor might suggest that you not drive if you have symptoms like confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness. If these symptoms happen when you are driving, you could cause an accident.

Limits on driving depend on many things. These include: 1, 2, 3

If your arrhythmia has made you pass out (lose consciousness), your doctor might recommend not driving until:

Arrhythmias that might restrict the ability to drive include:

Is it okay to drive if you have an ICD?

If you get an ICD, you will not drive for a short time after you get the device implanted. Depending on the reason you got the ICD, you may not be able to drive for one week to a few months. If you get a shock from the ICD, your doctor may ask that you don't drive for a short time. Your doctor will let you know when you can drive again. Your doctor might follow these guidelines:4

Is it okay to drive if you have a pacemaker?

You can drive if you have a pacemaker and you don't have any symptoms such as fainting. But right after you get a pacemaker, your doctor may ask you not to drive for at least a week after the device is implanted. This gives you time to heal.


References

Citations

  1. Epstein AE, et al. (1996). Personal and public safety issues related to arrhythmias that may affect consciousness: Implications for regulation and physician recommendations. A medical/scientific statement from the American Heart Association and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology. Circulation, 94(5): 1147–1166.
  2. Epstein AE, et al. (2007). Addendum to Personal and public safety issues related to arrhythmias that may affect consciousness: Implications for regulation and physician recommendations: A medical/scientific statement from the American Heart Association and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology. Public safety issues in patients with implantable defibrillators. A scientific statement from the American Heart Association and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation, 115(9): 1170–1176.
  3. Shen W-K, et al. (2017). 2017 ACC/AHA/HRS guideline for the evaluation and management of patients with syncope. Circulation, published online March 9, 2017. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000499. Accessed March 30, 2017.
  4. Epstein AE, et al. (2007). Addendum to Personal and public safety issues related to arrhythmias that may affect consciousness: Implications for regulation and physician recommendations: A medical/scientific statement from the American Heart Association and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology. Public safety issues in patients with implantable defibrillators. A scientific statement from the American Heart Association and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation, 115(9): 1170–1176.

Credits for Heart Rhythm Problems and Driving

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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