Heart Disease Is Not a Ground of Inadmissibility

Heart disease — including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, a history of heart attack (myocardial infarction), or any other cardiac condition — is not a ground of inadmissibility under U.S. immigration law. The medical grounds of inadmissibility are limited to communicable diseases of public health significance, failure to have required vaccinations, physical or mental disorders with associated harmful behavior, and drug abuse or addiction.

The Cardiovascular Exam Component

The immigration medical examination includes a physical examination of your cardiovascular system. The civil surgeon will listen to your heart, check your pulse, and take your blood pressure as part of the standard physical exam.

If you have a known cardiac condition, this will be noted in your medical history on Form I-693. The civil surgeon is not evaluating whether your heart disease is well-controlled or making a determination about your overall health status for immigration purposes.

Medication Documentation

If you take cardiac medications — such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, or others — bring a complete list of your current medications to your appointment. This helps the civil surgeon accurately document your medical history on Form I-693.

No Special Restrictions

There are no special restrictions, additional tests, or extra documentation requirements for applicants with heart disease. You will complete the same standard immigration medical examination as any other applicant. If you have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator, you may mention this to the civil surgeon as part of your medical history.