• Rami M Abazid, Ahmad Almeman, Haitham Sakr, Akram F Eldesoky, Hisham M Eissa, Tawfeeq H Alharbi, Abdullah A Altorbag, and Osama A Smettei.
• Department of Cardiology, Prince Sultan Cardiac Center-Qassim, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Qassim, Buraydah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail. ramiabazid@yahoo.com.
• Saudi Med J. 2019 Jan 1; 40 (1): 939693-96.

AbstractTo assess the perception and awareness of cardiologists in Saudi Arabia about medical fitness to drive in different cardiovascular diseases. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional survey-based study between June 2018 and July 2018. Cardiologists were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire inquiring about awareness of driving fitness and educating patients regarding driving risks in specific cardiovascular conditions. Results: A total of 194 cardiologists completed the study survey; there were 30.4% consultants, 59.3% specialists, and 10.3% residents. Out of 195, 72% were aware of the existence of particular international driving regulations for cardiovascular diseases, whereas 28% were not aware. Although, no Saudi guidelines assessing fitness-to-drive are available, 11% of the participants claimed awareness of such regulations. Interestingly, we found that cardiologists had never or rarely educated their patients regarding the potential risks of driving: 49% in symptomatic angina, 47% when ejection fraction is ≤35%, 39% in symptomatic valvular diseases, 26% after cardioverter defibrillators implantation, and 23% after non-elective percutaneous coronary interventions. Conclusion: There is a lack of awareness among cardiologists in Saudi Arabia about international guidelines regarding medical driving fitness. This study highlights the necessity of formulating appropriate national driving regulations for cardiovascular diseases.

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