Cardiovascular Conditions & Procedures

Cardiovascular conditions, treatments and various cardiac procedures affect the heart and the large network of blood vessels in the body. These conditions and procedures include (but are not limited to):

• Heart disease
• Arrythmia
• Angina
• Bypass surgery
• Heart valve repair/replacement
• Transplant
• Heart failure
• Aneurysm
• Anticoagulant therapy
• Hypertension

Effect of rail work on condition?

• Work associated stress and/or traumatic events can force the cardiac system to work harder.
• The sedentary nature of some rail work can be detrimental to these conditions.

Effect of rail work on condition?

Cardiovascular conditions, treatment and procedures may affect the ability to perform safety critical work due to sudden incapacity such as from a heart attack or an arrhythmia. Cardiovascular conditions may also affect concentration and ability to control machinery due to onset of chest pain, palpitations or dyspnea (shortness of breath).
Cardiovascular disease may also have end-organ effects on the brain (stroke), extremities (vasculature) and eyes (vision).

Effect of treatment on rail

Most cardiac treatments are compatible with rail safety work, although in a few instances some medications will cause low blood pressure and dizziness which may be a problem.

Approach to fitness for duty

You will need to provide advice from your treating doctor regarding the stability of your condition and whether you meet the criteria set out in the National Standard for Rail Safety Workers for your cardiac condition.

More likely to be fit for duty if;
An individual is more likely to be certified fit for duty if they can show evidence that their condition is treated and is stable and they do not have symptoms that could interfere with their ability to discharge their duty.

Less likely to be fit for duty if;
An individual is less likely to be certified fit for duty if they have any condition that is unstable and has not been fully diagnosed and treated by a specialist.

You are unique
Every cardiovascular condition is different. How you are affected will depend on a range of circumstances. The assessing Authorised Health Professional makes decisions on a case-by-case basis. Decisions are based on the individual circumstances of the applicant under consideration.

Letter from your treating doctor
If you are being or have previously been treated for a cardiovascular condition and are considering applying for a position at Metro Trains Melbourne, please bring any relevant information from your treating practitioner detailing your medical condition with you to your medical assessment.