Congenital Heart Disease

Heart failure and sudden death are the major causes of death among individuals with congenital heart disease. Due to the complexity of these problems, the Cardiovascular Advisory Panel Guidelines for the Medical Examination of Commercial Motor Drivers recommend that the driver has regular, ongoing follow-up by a cardiologist knowledgeable in adult congenital heart disease.

The driver with congenital heart disease must meet the qualification standards. As a medical examiner, your decision to certify should be based on:

• Anatomic diagnosis.
• Severity of the congenital defect.
• Results of treatment.
• Present fitness status.
• Risk of sudden death or incapacitation.

Congenital Heart Disease Recommendation Table (PDF)

NOTE: The Cardiovascular Advisory Panel Guidelines for the Medical Examination of Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers discusses multiple congenital heart diseases, many of which are self-limiting. Advances in surgical and medical management are expected to result in an increased number of individuals with congenital heart disease seeking driver certification. Ebstein anomaly is included in the handbook because it is a condition you are likely to encounter in the clinical setting.