High blood pressure and medical

[newmei]

Geez well guys help me out here

I went in to get a medical today and my BP was like 220/120 CRAZY the most its ever been, needless to say they could'nt give me my medical. They did however let me reschedule after I "calm down" because I got white coat syndrome and all nervious.....Any tips you can give me? I am early twenties and 6'3 230. I'm trying to lose weight and going to cut back on the sodium. What happens if I get high BP again? I know they can medicate me but how will this tie in with my denial? Will I have to sit out of flying for months or what?
Hope you guys can share some stories or give some advice
THANK YOU!!!!

 

[bobbysamd]

High BP

When I first started reading your post my first thought was, define "high." Yours is/was off the charts. I've heard of people with high BP who go on medication and get their medicals. Of course, the big picture is your career. Although you might convince the FAA to issue your medical, you may have less luck with an airline.

You obviously have had medicals. What kind of BP did you have the last time(s)?

See what happens next time. Try www.leftseat.com. This site has decent medical information. Also, call AOPA if you're a member and discuss it with a counselor. AOPA offers some of the best advice on medicals around.

 

[newmei]

Yea your kidding me, I did'nt know BP went up that high, but they more they dwelled over it the more it went up then I went to walmart and checked it 2 hours later and it had come down below the limits but still HIGH.
Gonna try to go to my MD and see what the deal is.

 

[newmei]

Oh and by the way
on my last three medicals

130/80 (190 lbs) 130/80 (200 lbs) 148/80 (215 lbs)
and now severly high at (230 lbs)

 

[bobbysamd]

No, definitely see your doctor. FAA medical notwithstanding, even at your lower weight your BP was too high for someone your age. Seriously, in my .02 opinion, it's not white coat disease. Something may be up. Get it checked out.

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

High BP

Even though Im in great shape (as I sit here sucking down a protein shake) I have to constantly work out and stay fit to avoid high BP because high BP runs deep in my family. My brother had to start taking BP medicine at 22 yrs old. I would suggest not just losing weight but taking on a regular exercise regimen.

To start with walk at least 25 minutes a day and eat a very "clean" diet. Foods that are low in fat, low in sodium and high in protein and drink nothing but water all day long. No sodas are other drinks. I drink 2 gallons of H20 everyday. I can almost promise you if you just follow these simple ideas you will shed some weight and lower your BP.

Any questions feel free to ask. I consider myself an expert on nutrition and exercise.

 

[Tim47SIP]

Well, I am the proud owner of a case study done in 1994 by the military concerning this very same phenomena. I have had the same problem since I started out in the military (1980) and the tech at my first duty station stated that I had high blood pressure (this was after I had just completed BT and Flight School with everything normal!). I went to the Doc and my pressure (after getting scared) was 138/88, perfectly leagle. But she said it was borderline and I went through hell (grounded for a long time due to her stupidity) and have not forgotten that since. At this very moment, I can walk by a Wall Mart machine and get nervous. Moral of the story, you are not alone. If you get nervous during a doctors visit and pressure goes up, believe me, that is normal. Just the other day I went in for unrelated things and it was 154/95, but when I take it at home it is in the high 130/70's. The trick is determining if your high blood pressure is normal or actually white coat syndrome. This can only be done really if you get a callibrated machine (whatever it might be) and take it at home when you are not under the gun. This will preclude you from being put on medication and bottoming out. Any Internal Medicine doc will have you do this before medication. I personally know individuals that have gone over 220/110 when they get in the flight surgeons office. So remember, it happens to the best of us. Good luck, I will also need it as I have a check up next month and am allready getting nervouse. See Ya!

 

[Jetflyr]

Oh and by the way
on my last three medicals

130/80 (190 lbs) 130/80 (200 lbs) 148/80 (215 lbs)
and now severly high at (230 lbs)

I'd be just as concerned with putting on weight that quickly as I would with the hypertension. It's not good for your heart man! And taking it off quickly can be just as dangerous. If your pressure really is getting that high--and it's not just whitecoat syndrome--then you should really consult with your doctor BEFORE you begin an exercise regimen. You could be at serious risk for stroking out while exercising, and that, my friend, is worse than hypertension anyday.

Good luck to you.

 

[Cornelius]

BJJ Fighter is absolutely correct. Get on a regular excercise program that is more endurance than strength training. Excercise and watch your diet. There are many things we can eliminate from our diet and not be some crazed out diet freak. Your blood pressure will soon simmer down not only because your more healthy physically but also because exercise is a form of meditation in many ways.

You can get on the BP meds and pass the medical but in the long run you'll be better off just sticking to some type of program even if it takes a little part of your day.

 

[House_X]

newmei--->BJJ Fighter is "on the money" for advice in keeping the B.P. low. Systolic is easy to lower (the top number in the ratio) Diastolic is the most difficult (the bottom number in the ratio)...this is a long term diet issue. Exersize is good at lowering the top number...diet for the lower number. Your weight isn't bad...your 6'3"...take that into consideration. I know people that are 5'10"/250lb and are Captains in the majors.

The white coat syndrome is common. Get a Medical Examiner you can trust...with good manners. If the AME makes you nervous, find another. Ask your fellow instructors which AME they prefer...when you find a good AME...stay with him/her. Also, I would suggest getting a "real" doctor on the side, who you feel comfortable with, and get their opinion as well.

Good AME's are difficult to find...many of them are not even real doctors and they can't help you at all....they just want your cash. If your comfortable with your AME, your B.P. will automatically lower.

House

 

[Clownpilot]

newmei--->BJJ Fighter is "on the money" for advice in keeping


Yeah. listen to BJJ. He thinks he's flown the Stealth bomber, SR-71, and the Concorde. He's a guy you really wanna listen to. Some wanna be's have no connection to reality. Oh yeah, he's also a health and fitness expert. LOL. Why not.

He's probably in a loony bin somewhere.

 

[Tim47SIP]

Or maybe he went to the Naval Test pilot school. Don't know about the Concord thing though??

 

[cj610]

High blood pressure

It has been my experience that my blood pressure reads higher when the Doctor himself or a male nurse takes my readings. Maybe next time you go in, have a female nurse take your readings. It might save you a few points. Who did take your initial reading, Dr. or nurse? Good Luck.

cj610

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

Clown Pilot

Clown Pilot I would make you look like a clown if we ever meet. The profile is meant to be a joke, I havent flown anything that is interesting at all.

I do consider myself an expert in exercise and nutrition. I wrestled in college Division 1 three years and qualified for nationals 2 years in a row. What the f%ck have you done fat boy. My expertise comes from exercise scientists working on me and helping my performance and having all my meals cooked for me by a nutritionist not to mention reading quite a few books on both subjects. Im VERY proud of accomplishments, I worked very hard for them. Wrestling is 10 times more tough physically and mentally than any kind of flying I have ever done. Im out.

 

[bobbysamd]

Weight gain and BP

I agree with BJJ's points. I'm concerned about the weight gain, too. I even mentioned it to my wife, who wondered about gaining 40 lbs. in an apparent short time. All worth discussing with your personal M.D. and not the FAA's doc.

 

[Boeingman]

B-J-J:

What does your nutritionist say about kidney stones and their formation?

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

Im no longer under the supervision of a nutritionist. I was when i was wrestling in college, its been a liitle over 2 years since my college wrestling days, but I still train. I coach high school wrestling, as well as train in boxing, wrestling, brazilian jiu-jitsu(BJJ), as lift weights and run.

I dont know much about kidney stones but I knew a guy who had them and the the doc told him to lay off caffeine and most important was to lay off coffee.

The clown above gets his pride from flying all these "cool" aircraft. My pride and ego comes from total physical dominance of another human being. Dont get me wrong I enjoy flying, but I fly for a living because it gives me the time to do what i really enjoy in life, compete and train in combat sports. Thats my real love. Im off to the gym.

 

[na265]

I have been throgh it also. As was said above, I started working out again and watching what I ate. The best thing I did was stopped smoking. The other thing that has helped me was that I found a great DME. Their office is very laid back and comfortable and I'm at 130/80. And, by the way, I'm 6'2" and 195. Good luck, it will all work out.

 

[Jetsnake]

You really need to be concerned about your
life, that is a dangerously high B/P. Don't mess
with $hit like that, you sound too young to be having
B/P readings like that. I was paramedic for 7 years
and that's just NOT GOOD.

The one time in your career as a pilot when you should
be thinking, "Me,Me,Me-Me-Me" is your health concerns.
I still work indepentantly for attorney's on crash investigation's
and cringe at the thought your health was the result of
of someone else's demise because you neglected it...

Go to a Bone Braker if you have to, they have diet plan's
also, but so does Subway...

Get fit and fly that way, you owe it to yourself...And the one's
you instruct or charter too...

Jetsnake

 

[tarp]

Like every one else on here said - go see a doctor. Your numbers are way out of line.

I have "white coat hypertension" and you are no where near my numbers.

6' 01 " tall, 200lbs, +45yrs old

Normal BP = 118/75
with White coat MD = 142/82
with nurse, 10 minutes later = 120/78

Don't ask me why - I guess I'm just a ladies man!

 

[newmei]

So....I went into my MD today and got the lowest blood pressure of 140/95 (even while being nervious). They did a EKG and a bunch of tests and think I am fine (pending test results) He told me to lose weight and eat right and it should come down.
Not bad considering that I thought about all day yesterday and today and everytime I did I got a shot of adrenline.

I think I'll be fine if I can just calm down at the docs office and work on my lifestyle.

 

[bobbysamd]

It's still kind of high. Check your stress level. Stay away from the Mickey D french fries and soda. I'm one to talk; I must have three or four Diet Pepsis a day at work.

Feel well, my friend.

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

A Response?

Is this clown ever going to respond? What a loser.

 

[Clownpilot]

Re: A Response?

Is this clown ever going to respond? What a loser.

Ugh, OK fine here is my response.

You're an immature child. My only advice is grow up.

>>My pride and ego comes from total physical dominance of another human being. Dont get me wrong I enjoy flying, but I fly for a living because it gives me the time to do what i really enjoy in life, compete and train in combat sports. Thats my real love. >>

This is an unbelievable statement. You would not be able to pass the psychological portion of any airline interview with this attitude. Frankly, when I was hired I had guys about your age that got hired with me. None exhibited anything like this neanderthal, chest thumping, bravado, "my dad can beat up your dad" BS attitude.

>>Ugh, OK fine here is my response.

You're an immature child. My only advice is grow up.

>>Clown Pilot I would make you look like a clown if we ever meet. >>

LOL. I make a point of staying away from gumbahs like you who want to beat me up so they can prove what a man they are. Go away little boy. I guarantee we will never meet.

>>What the f%ck have you done fat boy>>

Short version:

Certified Personal trainer at age 20.
Navy pilot age 21.
Gulf war vet and over 100 hrs combat time.
10.5 yrs active duty, 2.5 reserve LCDR USNR
Naval Postgraduate School accident investigator
Major Airline pilot age 32.
Maintain 6-7% bodyfat and a sixpack you'll never see.
(Go to my profile on Yahoo 'flawless_physiqued')
First officer flying AA's newest bird the 737-800.
1700 hrs in commercial jet aircraft.
3000 hrs military.
At least a semblance of a clue tough guy.

>>Im no longer under the supervision of a nutritionist. >>

You should be under the supervision of a very qualified psychiatrist.

Don't bother me any more little boy. Or at least until you have a six pack like mine you egotistical, infantile, pathetic, little bully.

Now, I'm out. LOL.

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

A Response to the Clown

Your the one that started this crap by saying Im a wannabe, Ive got your wannabe.

You stated and I quote:
"This is an unbelievable statement. You would not be able to pass the psychological portion of any airline interview with this attitude. Frankly, when I was hired I had guys about your age that got hired with me. None exhibited anything like this neanderthal, chest thumping, bravado, "my dad can beat up your dad" BS attitude. "

Well your wrong, I already have an airline job and I have been accepted into UPT in the A/F if I want it or Army Woft if thats what I want. I sure want being flying something like the P3, I will be in a fighter if thats what I want. Im not only good at doing things I like, Im always of the best.

Im dont beat on my chest or act like a neanderthal at all. In fact most people that meet me think Im one of the nicest friendliest guys they have ever met.

So my advice to you is not to grow up, but think before you open your loud mouth punk, it could really get you in trouble sometime in life. You started this by calling me a wannabe now deal with it.
I will check back later to see if you can offer a valid response.

 

[1900laker]

White coat syndrome is definately real. I've got it too. I have had the same problems with sudden elevated pressure reading during medicals in the past. I first discovered it while doing a pre-military medical screening, when I was in great shape. Ultimately I became educated by a few of the military doc's who saw this condition very commonly, especially among military pilots whose career hinges on those little numbers on the box. The routine became during every medical coming in and strapping on a cuff with an automated machine checking my pressure about every 2 minutes. It would always start high and go higher for about the first few readings, but then eventually come down to 120/70 while I sat in a quiet room, relaxed, and thought about other things than my blood pressure being taken.

The FAA has recognized this problem and has reduced their strictness on medicals now. There used to be a 150 limit for the high end, that they have since done away with, (i'm told by my AME). Just that fact alone has dramatically improved my syndrome since this fact. The last couple medicals, I have gone in first try and nailed a 125/80 or such.

My advice is get an automated cuff you can use on yourself at home. Use it several times a day as practice. Even if you are seeing normal levels, continue with the process. The more you get used to the feeling of having your pressure checked, the less you will think about it "abnormally" and the better your chance of not having an elevated hydrenaline response which drives up the pressure as your arteries and vessels contract.

But you must also maintain good health with exercise and diet. Get about 30lbs off and avoid salt. Add potasium to your died, either through food or vitamens. Bananas are a good source. Try to avoid as much stress before your physicals as possible. I know much of this is common sense, but make sure you are doing it. Good luck.

 

[Clownpilot]

Re: A Response to the Clown

<<Well your wrong, I already have an airline job and I have been accepted into UPT in the A/F if I want it or Army Woft if thats what
<<

Current AF commitment AFTER pilot training is 10 yrs. Training is 2 years. You'll be at least 36-37 yrs old before you're eligible to get out and work for an airline. I'm assuming that's what you want to do since you're on this board. Army WOFT will only get you rotor time, useless to an airline wanna be. Why would anyone apply to WOFT if they had a degree? Methinks you fib.

<<I want. I sure want being flying something like the P3, I will be in a fighter if thats what I want. Im not only good at doing things I like, Im always of the best.<<

I've read this a couple times and it doesn't make any sense but I think I got out of it that you think flying a fighter is much better than flying a P-3. You probably got that from watching Top Gun about 500 times. I wanted to be an airline pilot. Heavy, multi-engine, turbine time was most important to me. Never spending one day on a ship was about as important. I didn't want to be a fighter guy. If you want to, fine. None of this means I believe you were accepted into UPT, but that's nice if you did.

<<Im dont beat on my chest or act like a neanderthal at all. In fact most people that meet me think Im one of the nicest friendliest guys they have ever met.<<

Is this before or after you beat them up? BTW do you even have a chest?

<<So my advice to you is not to grow up, but think before you open your loud mouth punk, it could really get you in trouble sometime in life. You started this by calling me a wannabe now deal with it.<<

You ARE a wanna be. You're here aren't you? Why are you so insulted by that? You probably want to beat me up too. Well, you can't. Tell you what. When you're ready to work for a major airline in a few years why don't you send me your resume? I'll go out of my way to make sure it gets into the right hands at American. Since you're the best I'm sure you want to work for the largest airline in the world. I'll even attach a nice note from me to make sure it gets the attention it deserves. Until then, don't hurt yourself patting yourself on the back and don't cry if you don't make it. I'm sure if they don't clamor to hire you at the majors you can just find the chief pilots, beat them up and force them to hire you. I mean you're the best right? Maybe I'll be a chief pilot by then and you can come and beat me up. A 2 for 1 deal. What a bargain. You can totally physically dominate me and then I'll idolize you.

<<I will check back later to see if you can offer a valid response. [/B][/QUOTE]<<

Please let me know what airline you work for now. I think I'd get a good chuckle out of that one.

PS You really do seem unbalanced to me. Have you ever been institutionalized? Declared incompetent. Beaten up a lot when you were little?

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

To the Clown

Alright clown, enough of the name calling, and no I dont want to beat you up or anyone else for that matter. I do enjoy, well let me rephrase that, I love competition in combat sports. My goal is total physical dominance on my opponent. I cant STAND losing in any physcial competitions especially when its physical in nature.

I do have a degree and have been accepted in both. My absolute dream job is not an airline pilot, its to fly rotor wing EMS, thats what I really want to do in life, as well as run my own gym geared towards cross training in combat sports. Enough of this stupid name calling. Later.

"Flow With The Go"

 

[TurboS7]

Who is fibbing who????Who do you fly the 737-800 for, which airline???

 

[Clownpilot]

nun

Who is fibbing who????Who do you fly the 737-800 for, which airline???

Fibbing who?
I said in my post
......and what do you care?

BTW, I'd better retire in 25 years with fewer than 16,000 hrs.