Driving again after cardiac arrest or an ICD: what to ask your care team

What the sources say

The dangerous heart rhythms that lead to an ICD shock can cause you to faint and lose control of a vehicle. When you can drive again after getting an ICD, or after a shock, depends on several factors.Source:NIH (NHLBI)

The judgment of your care team helps decide limits on driving. Rules can differ by where you live, and some providers are not familiar with them, so you may need to ask where to find out.Source:NIH (NHLBI)

The NIH says many states set a waiting time before you drive again after an ICD for a cardiac arrest, or after a shock, and that people with an ICD are not legally allowed to drive commercial vehicles.Source:NIH (NHLBI)

Mayo Clinic says your healthcare team gives you instructions on when it is safe to return to driving, and you may need to limit driving depending on the type of ICD.Source:Mayo Clinic

The American Heart Association suggests asking your care team "When can I drive?"Source:American Heart Association

Questions to ask your care team

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When is it safe for me to drive again, given my heart and any device I have?
Does it change anything that I had a cardiac arrest, or that I have an ICD?
Does a shock from my ICD change when I can drive?
Are there rules where I live that I must follow, and who should I check with?
Do I need to tell anyone, such as my insurance or licensing office, and who should write that letter?
Until then, how should I get to appointments and the places I need to go?
What should I do if I feel dizzy, faint or unwell while I am in a car?
Does anything about my medicines or tiredness change my answer?

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Call 911 if...

If you feel faint, have chest pain or cannot catch your breath, stop in a safe place and call 911. Do not keep driving.Source:American Heart Association NIH (NHLBI)

Call 911

Quick answers

When can I drive after a cardiac arrest or ICD?

It depends on you, your device and where you live. The NIH says the answer depends on several factors, that your care team helps decide limits, and that you may need to ask where to find the rules that apply to you. Bring the checklist to your visit.

Source:NIH (NHLBI)

Where this comes from

General information, not medical advice. Talk to your care team.