FAQ

This depends on what type of driving licence you hold and the nature of your role, and it is one of the most important practical questions to resolve before you attempt to return.

Group 1 licence (ordinary car): There is typically a mandatory period during which you cannot drive after a cardiac arrest or ICD implant. Once this period has passed and the DVLA has confirmed you may drive again, returning to a job that involves some driving is generally possible, subject to your cardiologist’s advice.

Group 2 licence (lorry, bus, or coach): The DVLA rules for Group 2 drivers are much stricter. Following a cardiac arrest, Group 2 licensing is usually permanently revoked, and in most cases cannot be reinstated after an ICD implant. If your job specifically requires a Group 2 licence — HGV driver, bus driver, coach driver — this is likely to mean a permanent change of role. This is one of the most significant practical impacts cardiac arrest can have on employment.

Do not drive for work until you have received explicit written confirmation from the DVLA that your licence has been reinstated or retained. Our page on driving and the DVLA after cardiac arrest covers the regulations in full. Members of our community who have navigated this process, including those who have had to change careers, are often willing to share their experience.

Category: Driving

Many people do return to physically demanding work after a cardiac arrest, but it generally takes longer than returning to a sedentary role, and a phased return with gradual increase in activity is usually advisable. Your cardiologist needs to be involved before you return to strenuous physical work.

If you have had an ICD fitted, there are additional considerations. Some industrial or manual environments involve equipment that generates strong electromagnetic fields — certain welding equipment, large motors, and power generation machinery can interfere with ICD function. Your device clinic can advise on what is and is not safe in your specific workplace. This does not rule out physical work, but it does need assessment.

An occupational health referral is particularly important for physically demanding roles. Your occupational health adviser can assess the specific risks of your job, recommend appropriate adjustments or restrictions, and liaise with your employer on a safe return-to-work plan. Some roles may require temporary redeployment while recovery continues. Our page on returning to work after cardiac arrest has further guidance.

Category: Practical Issues

There is no universal timeline. When you can return to work depends on several factors: the physical and cognitive demands of your role, how your recovery is progressing, whether you have had an ICD fitted, and whether DVLA restrictions affect getting to work or doing the job itself.

People in sedentary or desk-based roles sometimes return within a few weeks, once the immediate physical recovery from the arrest and any procedure is underway. For physically demanding roles, the timeline is usually longer, and some adjustments may be needed. Fatigue and cognitive effects — including difficulties with concentration, memory, and processing — are common in the early months and can affect even those in office-based work.

Your cardiologist should be involved in any return-to-work decision. If your employer has an occupational health service, a referral is strongly recommended. They can advise on a phased return, reasonable adjustments, and any specific risks associated with your workplace. Our page on returning to work after cardiac arrest covers this in more detail, and benefits information is available if you are unable to work during your recovery.

Category: Practical Issues