Canadian Cardiovascular Society
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4. Driving: Valvular Heart Disease

Medically Treated Valvular Heart Disease

Aortic stenosis

  • Private driving is permitted if NYHA Class I or II AND no episodes of impaired level of consciousness occurs.
  • Commercial driving is permitted if asymptomatic, LVEF ≥ 35%, NYHA Class I, and AVA ≥ 1.0 cm2.

Aortic regurgitation; Mitral stenosis; Mitral regurgitation

  • Private driving is permitted if NYHA Class I or II AND no episodes of impaired level of consciousness occurs.
  • Commercial driving is permitted if LVEF ≥ 35%, is NYHA Class I, AND no episodes of impaired level of conciousness occurs.

Surgically Treated Valvular Heart Disease

Mechanical prostheses; Mitral bioprostheses with non-sinus rhythm; Mitral valve repair with non-sinus rhythm

  • Private driving is permitted beginning 6 weeks after discharge with no thromboembolic complications on anticoagulant therapy.
  • Commercial driving is permitted beginning 3 months after discharge with no thromboembolic complications, receiving anticoagulant therapy, LVEF ≥ 35%, AND is NYHA Class I.

Aortic bioprostheses; Mitral prostheses with sinus rhythm; Mitral valve repair with sinus rhythm

  • Private driving is permitted beginning 6 weeks after discharge with no thromboembolic complications.
  • Commercial driving is permitted beginning 3 months after discharge with no thromboembolic complications, LVEF ≥ 35%, AND is NYHA Class I.
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