Driving Guidelines for Arrhythmia/Syncope

Syncope

Type of eventRESTRICTIONS AFTER EVENT
PRIVATE DRIVINGCOMMERCIAL DRIVING

– Single episode of vasovagal syncope
(Unless in sitting position or insufficient prodrome to stop vehicle)

Atypical vasovagal syncope → see “unexplained syncope”

NO RESTRICTION
– Diagnosed and treated cause of syncope (e.g. pacemaker insertion)1 week1 month
– Situational syncope with avoidable trigger (e.g. micturition/defecation syncope)1 week

– Single episode of unexplained syncope
– Recurrent (within 12 months) vasovagal syncope

1 week12 months

– Recurrent unexplained syncope (within 12 months)

3 months12 months

Devices

Type of eventRESTRICTIONS AFTER EVENT
 PrivateCommercial
Pacemaker Implantation1 week1 month
ICD (If indication is VT, see “VT”)4 weeksDisqualified

Ventricular Arrhythmias

 Restrictions after event
 PrivateCommercial
– VF (no reversible cause)
– Hemodynamically Unstable VT
6  monthsDisqualified
– Sustained VT (no change in LOC)
(LVEF < 30%)		3 monthsDisqualified
– Sustained VT (no change in LOC)
(LVEF ≥ 30%)		4 weeks
(w/ satisfactory control)		3 months
(w/ satisfactory control)
– Nonsustained VTNO RESTRICTIONNO RESTRICTION

Reference

Authors

  • Reproduced from CCS 2003 Guidelines
  • Added by Dr. Pavel Antiperovitch MD FRCPC
  • Copy Editor: Perri Deacon (Medical Student)