PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
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
TI  - Awareness of fitness to drive among cardiologists in Saudi Arabia
AID  - 10.15537/smj.2019.1.23595
DP  - 2019 Jan 01
TA  - Saudi Medical Journal
PG  - 93--96
VI  - 40
IP  - 1
4099  - http://smj.org.sa/content/40/1/93.short
4100  - http://smj.org.sa/content/40/1/93.full
SO  - Saudi Med J2019 Jan 01; 40
AB  - 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.