المملكة: Consulting for "today"Preventing heart patients from driving is a “necessity” to reduce accidents
She said: Assistant Professor at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah and consultant Cardiology and cardiac imaging for structural diseases Dr. Rawaa Attar told Al-Youm: A heart patient must adhere to specific periods during which he abstains from driving cars, depending on the type of condition and its effect on the heart muscle, especially since heart disease constitutes one of the most prominent causes of sudden loss of consciousness while driving, which increases the possibility of serious accidents on the roads.
She explained that international recommendations indicate the necessity of abstaining from
Stop driving
Attar added that the patient is also prohibited from driving for a month after open-heart surgery, and that among the cases that also require stopping driving are narrowing or trembling of the valves when accompanying symptoms appear, as well as after replacing valves with a catheter for a month, in addition to critical cases that include ventricular acceleration or sudden cardiac arrest.
She indicated that the danger of these cases lies in the possibility of sudden loss of consciousness as a result of cardiac arrhythmia. Or severe clots or muscle weakness, which may expose the patient and road users to great risks.
She said: Some countries, including Canada, require the cardiologist to disclose any patient who may pose a risk while driving, in order to preserve public safety.
She indicated that these recommendations were based on cardiac studies that revealed the most dangerous periods for complications to occur, including the period following severe clots in the heart arteries, and after open-heart surgeries, And cases of cardiac electrical irregularities, sudden stops, severe valvular disorders, and weak heart muscle.
She added that precautions also include post-therapeutic catheterization and the installation of electrical devices and pacemakers for the heart, stressing the importance of adhering to the guidelines before returning to driving.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter
