Cardiovascular Disease: Heart Failure/NIC

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

LEOs with mild DCM may be capable of safe and effective job performance. However, DCM increases the risk of sudden cardiac events. DCM is also frequently associated with reduced exercise capacity, thus jeopardizing the LEO’s ability to perform essential job functions.2,5,13 Therefore, an individualized assessment of the LEO with DCM (see DCM in Appendix A) is needed to ensure safe and effective job performance.

LEOs diagnosed with DCM should be restricted until a thorough medical history and work-up is completed. LEOs with DCM can be cleared for full duty if all the following criteria are met on an annual basis:

• asymptomatic;
• normal 12-lead ECG;
• normal 24-hour ECG;
• normal left ventricular function defined by a normal EF as measured by a gated blood pool scan, 2-dimensional echocardiogram with Doppler, or ventriculogram;
• normal imaging EST to at least 12 METs (see LEOs with Known CAD in Coronary Artery Disease section);
• stable regimen of cardiovascular medications for the past month;
• no disqualifying side effects from medications (see LEO Medications chapter).