How soon after open heart surgery can you resume driving?

Resuming Driving After Open Heart Surgery

Patients should wait at least 4-6 weeks after uncomplicated open heart surgery before resuming driving. 1

Driving Restrictions Based on Type of Cardiac Procedure

Standard Open Heart Surgery

• Patients who undergo uncomplicated coronary and valvular procedures should generally wait 2-4 weeks before resuming driving 1
• During this initial recovery period, patients are at risk for complications that could impair driving ability, including:
  • Sternal instability affecting ability to turn the steering wheel 2
  • Post-surgical pain affecting reaction time 2
  • Medication effects, particularly from opioid pain medications 3

Special Considerations

• Patients who have undergone less invasive cardiac procedures may be able to resume driving earlier, typically 1-2 weeks postoperatively 1
• Patients who have had cardiac transplantation should wait longer, approximately 4-6 weeks before resuming driving 1
• Patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have specific restrictions:
  • For primary prevention ICD implantation: 1-4 weeks driving restriction 4
  • For secondary prevention ICD implantation: 3-6 months driving restriction 4

Factors Affecting Return to Driving

Physical Recovery Milestones

• Adequate sternal healing to allow safe steering and emergency maneuvers 2
• Resolution of significant post-surgical pain that might impair driving ability 2
• No longer requiring opioid pain medications that could impair driving performance 3
• Sufficient physical strength to perform emergency maneuvers if needed 2

Common Challenges

• Research shows approximately 36% of patients stop driving after cardiac surgery due to lack of confidence or fear 2
• Among those who continue driving, 39% report problems including irritation, poor concentration, and difficulty with parking maneuvers 2
• Female patients are more likely to discontinue driving after cardiac surgery (62% of females vs. 26% of males) 2

Safety Considerations

• Patients should not drive while:
  • Wearing an arm sling 3
  • Taking opioid pain medications 3
  • Experiencing significant pain that could impair reaction time 2
• Patients should be able to comfortably wear a seatbelt without significant chest discomfort 2
• Patients should be able to perform emergency maneuvers such as sudden braking or turning the steering wheel 2

Long-Term Outlook

• Research indicates that 62% of cardiac surgery patients over 75 years old eventually return to driving 5
• Most patients report improved quality of life following cardiac surgery recovery 5
• The ability to safely resume driving contributes significantly to patients' independence and quality of life 5