Everyone knows how important a healthy heart is, but if you drive professionally it can be even more important for you. This is why your cardiac health will be assessed at every taxi driver medical.

Why You Need a Healthy Heart

Driving doesn’t require much physical activity, so it might seem strange that having a healthy heart is so important. However, there are some important reasons why both the DVLA and the council providing your taxi driver license want to make sure that your heart is healthy. Many of the symptoms that are associated with heart disease, such as dizziness and faintness, could make it difficult for you to control your vehicle safely. In the worst case scenario, a serious episode such as a blackout or a heart attack could make you completely lose control. If you fell ill while driving, it could put not only your life, but those of your passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians at risk.

In order to minimize the risk of this happening, your cardiac health will be assessed during your taxi driver medical. Most medicals will include a physical exam, an ECG, and a full medical history. You may also need to get a stress ECG, an echocardiogram or other cardiac tests, particularly if you have a history of heart disease.

Looking After Your Heart

Even if you pass your taxi driver medical, it is still important to be aware of the impact that your work could be having on your health. A combination of shift work, poor diet and lack of exercise puts many professional drivers at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Making an effort to eat well and take regular exercise can protect your heart and you might see the difference when your cholesterol levels or blood pressure are measured at your next medical.