Aortic Stenosis

The most common cause of aortic stenosis in adults is a degenerative process associated with many of the risk factors underlying atherosclerosis. Aortic stenosis may cause a heart murmur.

Recommendation parameters for aortic stenosis include the severity of the diagnosis and the presence of signs or symptoms.

Waiting period

Minimum — 3 months if post surgery

NOTE: If more than one waiting period applies (because of multiple cardiac conditions or other comorbid diseases), examine the driver for certification after the completion of the longest waiting period.

Decision

Maximum certification period — 1 year

Recommend to certify if:

The driver has:

• Mild aortic stenosis that is asymptomatic.
• Moderate aortic stenosis that is asymptomatic and the driver has no disqualifying findings and/or conditions.
• Severe aortic stenosis that has been surgically repaired and meets all aortic valve repair surgical guidelines.

Recommend not to certify if:

The driver has moderate aortic stenosis with one or more of the following:

• Angina.
• Heart failure.
• Atrial fibrillation.
• Left ventricular dysfunction with ejection fraction greater than 50%.
• Thromboembolism.

The driver has severe aortic stenosis regardless of symptoms or left ventricular function.

Monitoring/Testing

Echocardiography repeated every:

• 5 years if mild aortic stenosis.
• 1 to 2 years if moderate aortic stenosis.

Follow-up

The driver should have an annual medical examination.

Aortic Stenosis Recommendation Table (PDF)