TY - JOUR T1 - Awareness of fitness to drive among cardiologists in Saudi Arabia JF - Saudi Medical Journal JO - Saudi Med J SP - 93 LP - 96 DO - 10.15537/smj.2019.1.23595 VL - 40 IS - 1 AU - Rami M. Abazid AU - Ahmad Almeman AU - Haitham Sakr AU - Akram F. Eldesoky AU - Hisham M. Eissa AU - Tawfeeq H. Alharbi AU - Abdullah A. Altorbag AU - Osama A. Smettei Y1 - 2019/01/01 UR - http://smj.org.sa/content/40/1/93.abstract N2 - Objectives: To 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. ER -