AF and Warfarin ???
Discussion
JohnCL said:
I've done speed events for years and stated on all licence apps that I've been treated for AF with no problem at all.
As long as you are not untreated there should be no problem. No medical needed.
speed licence has different medical requirments to race licence, best bet would be to ask MSA straight...they will either have an answer or would refer the application for further medical questionsAs long as you are not untreated there should be no problem. No medical needed.
My dad has AF and has had a few cardioversions and obviously continues to take warfarin and an assortment of other drugs.
I think as above - so long as you're not actually awaiting treatment or tests/results then it should be ok. Works the same with travel insurance... Usually won't cover him if he's undergoing treatment/tests - but once clear, it's not a problem (apart from the increased costs!)
I think as above - so long as you're not actually awaiting treatment or tests/results then it should be ok. Works the same with travel insurance... Usually won't cover him if he's undergoing treatment/tests - but once clear, it's not a problem (apart from the increased costs!)
Was there any update on this? I have recently been diagnosed with AF which we are controlling with beta blockers (which are on the banned substance list but I believe can approved by exception). Anyone got any experience of whether this scenario can be approved for racing and if so how do you prove you're fit enough (x months of pills without incident, stress ECG, etc)?
Any help, pointers, etc gratefully received. Trying to build the best case before presenting the situation to the MSA.
Any help, pointers, etc gratefully received. Trying to build the best case before presenting the situation to the MSA.
I had AF and was put on warfarin and beta blockers whilst waiting for a Flutter and Fibrillation Ablation procedure. Unfortunately I had to stop taking the beta blockers as I was allergic to them. I managed to last until the date of the procedure although there was a noted deterioration in health and I was admitted as an emergency to my local hospital 1 week before the date of the procedure. After a short stay and an unsuccessful attempt to control the AF I returned home and waited until the day of the procedure at Papworth Hospital. The procedure was done under general anaesthetic during the afternoon of the day I was admitted and I was discharged the next morning.
All of the above details were given to the MSA in my race licence renewal application which resulted in a request from the MSA for further information from my GP. After a phone call to the MSA to discuss their additional requirements from my GP I was able to provide a copy of a letter from the specialist who had undertaken the procedure stating that it had been a complete success. Virtually by return on receipt of these I received a temporary licence by email with the full licence following in a few days.
I know this doesn't answer fully the recent question about AF but it does show that as long as you provide the MSA with satisfactory answers to their queries they are very helpful in these situations.
Could be worth checking to see if the Ablation procedure would be a long term alternative to warfarin and beta blockers.
All of the above details were given to the MSA in my race licence renewal application which resulted in a request from the MSA for further information from my GP. After a phone call to the MSA to discuss their additional requirements from my GP I was able to provide a copy of a letter from the specialist who had undertaken the procedure stating that it had been a complete success. Virtually by return on receipt of these I received a temporary licence by email with the full licence following in a few days.
I know this doesn't answer fully the recent question about AF but it does show that as long as you provide the MSA with satisfactory answers to their queries they are very helpful in these situations.
Could be worth checking to see if the Ablation procedure would be a long term alternative to warfarin and beta blockers.
Thank you. My situation appears slightly different to yours in that the beta blockers appear to be controlling my intermittent AF - I have just had a 3 day r test ECG with no sign of AF. The downside is that the current beta blockers leave me very tired; I'm awaiting an alternative to see if they improve the situation. I don't fancy an ablation but might have to consider that more carefully.
I'll speak to the MSA in the New Year and see what they say.
I'll speak to the MSA in the New Year and see what they say.
Being on Warfarin is not something to be taken lightly, as you probably realise, and needs close dose control, which varies from person to person. I'd be quite wary about being on track with someone on Warfarin - an unexpected adverse reaction during exertion could have quite severe consequences.
Exertion has nothing to do with warfarin - it slows blood clotting, and doesn't stop it altogether.
Someone who is on warfarin in motor sport should ensure that the rescue crew, paramedic and/or doctor know, that's all.
A quick visit to the circuit medical centre will do that, if there is no other means
Many rallies ask competitors, in confidence, for medical details like this, so stage medics can be told.
I don't know about circuit racing.
See: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/P...
John
Someone who is on warfarin in motor sport should ensure that the rescue crew, paramedic and/or doctor know, that's all.
A quick visit to the circuit medical centre will do that, if there is no other means
Many rallies ask competitors, in confidence, for medical details like this, so stage medics can be told.
I don't know about circuit racing.
See: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/P...
John
Slightly different but I suffered an MI last year resulting in a stent being fitted and then had my licence revoked for the standard 3 months, effectively ending my hillclimb season.
I've been asked for a stress related ECG and a letter from my consultant in order to have my new licence granted. The MSA have been brilliant in the advice and help they've offered
I've been asked for a stress related ECG and a letter from my consultant in order to have my new licence granted. The MSA have been brilliant in the advice and help they've offered
Only stumbled across this by accident, you'd be better posting questions like this in the health section as that's where we tend to hang out!
Answering your original question - you can have AF and still get a licence. If you're on warfarin or a NOAC (you should be - current guidance suggests all AF patients need anti-coagulation - aspirin won't cut it), you need it declared on your medical form, and it's worth letting the circuit medics know at each meet, as it will change how they manage you in the event of a big shunt.
If there is any mischief from your GP about completing the medical, they can always send your ecg under the eyes of a cardiologist to get a covering letter. It also shouldn't have any effect on your ability to race, depending on if you are rate or rhythm controlled either.
Hope this helps!
Answering your original question - you can have AF and still get a licence. If you're on warfarin or a NOAC (you should be - current guidance suggests all AF patients need anti-coagulation - aspirin won't cut it), you need it declared on your medical form, and it's worth letting the circuit medics know at each meet, as it will change how they manage you in the event of a big shunt.
If there is any mischief from your GP about completing the medical, they can always send your ecg under the eyes of a cardiologist to get a covering letter. It also shouldn't have any effect on your ability to race, depending on if you are rate or rhythm controlled either.
Hope this helps!
MGracer37 said:
Thank you. My situation appears slightly different to yours in that the beta blockers appear to be controlling my intermittent AF - I have just had a 3 day r test ECG with no sign of AF. The downside is that the current beta blockers leave me very tired; I'm awaiting an alternative to see if they improve the situation. I don't fancy an ablation but might have to consider that more carefully.
I'll speak to the MSA in the New Year and see what they say.
You should go in for ablation. It isn't surgery, it's a minimally invasive procedure (as mentioned with a small device inserted via your groin and no devices are left in your body afterwards. AF is really common and you're probably aware it is associated with stroke. Why choose to live under that cloud and be forever on drugs when you can get it fixed in a relatively low risk procedure? Ask for a referral to a cardiologist specialising in electrophysiology. Plenty of teaching hospitals have them.I'll speak to the MSA in the New Year and see what they say.
MGracer37 said:
Had my ablation 8 weeks ago and feel better than I have for ages. I am now off all meds and was signed off by the Cardiologist last week. Will be applying for my race licence shortly - fingers crossed
Congratulations! That's excellent news - now you can concentrate on racing.Gassing Station | UK Club Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff