According to the FMCSA’s Federal Register, the agency is considering the applications of 15 truck drivers who have applied for an exemption from a cardiovascular standard.
Specifically, the drivers are requesting an exemption from 49 CFR 391.41(b)(4), which can prevent those with “current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other cardiovascular disease of a variety known to be accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure,” and those with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) from obtaining medical cards.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are implanted in those who have a diagnosed cardiac condition.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “An ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) is an electronic device that constantly monitors your heart rhythm. When it detects a very fast, abnormal heart rhythm, it delivers energy to the heart muscle. This causes the heart to beat in a normal rhythm again.
“Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are two life-threatening heart rhythms that cause the heart to beat very fast. These conditions can be fatal if not treated immediately.
“Your doctor has recommended that you receive an ICD because you have had at least one episode of these heart rhythms or are at high risk of developing these types of heart rhythms.”
If the exemption is granted, fifteen drivers with ICD’s could receive a 2-year exemption.