High Blood Pressure-Medical

[88_MALIBU]

Has anyone had to deal with the FAA on High Blood Pressure and its effects on getting a first class? I went in today and found out mine is rather high for my age, like pre hypertension numbers. I'm freaking out (part of my problem) because I want to go part 121. I am supposed to go in again when I'm relaxed-(impossible), and then he will send my stuff in. Any insight is appreciated.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Hows your weight,tabbacco,alcohol,exercise, and diet situation??

they say even 10lbs can lower you BP signifigantly.

If all the above are in check dont worry about your medical as much as your health. See your real Dr. and find out why this is happening...

I dont know the facts but there are lots of pilots flying on BP medication.

 

[mar]

First of all, take a deep breath.

I take it you're a little high strung.

Whitecoat Syndrome is recognized and accepted. Some AME's will allow you to document your BP at home.

Some will recommend exercise.

Some will prescribe medication.

It's no big deal. Just relax, avoid alcohol and exercise.

Does it run in your family? If so, medication might be best.

Good luck.

PS--I'm borderline as well (hereditary). Clean living is the answer.

 

[T-Gates]

Clean living is the answer.

Sh!t...

 

[88_MALIBU]

No Alcohol!>? What about this weekend!!!!>? LOL


Naw guys, I'm 24 and weigh 170 lbs. I walk 2 miles on Saturday and Sunday each weekend into the bush with hunting packs, and thought I was in top notch shape. Problem is, I load the salt on food, working for a candy company flying doesnt help either. Thanks for the replies... Good to know there is a solution I can control.

 

[Dodge]

Take it easy on the salt and the beer. I had to stop the Copenhagen as well. I am in excellent shape and weight but the afore mentioned were getting the better of me. No problems since the "more mature" form of myself showed up.

 

[jimpilot]

I sweated high BP for years. Had the worst case of white coat you ever heard of. I was high normal for years but in the docs office it went way up (along with my pulse etc) My GP finally recommended medication. I went on it and it did bring it down even at home. Got a form online from AOPA, had my GP do a few tests that are normal for an annual checkup, he filled it out prior to my next FAA phyical (you don't have to do anything about it (other than not fly for a short period, I think it was 20 - 30 days) until your next FAA).

FAA doc reviewed the form, thanked me for having the right paperwork and did normal checkup. Sent me on my way with 1st class. Only thing I have to do now is bring an annual letter from GP showing no change

I would visit the AOPA site if you are a member, they have a great section on all this including a list of which BP meds are acceptable to the FAA.

Bottom line, it's no big deal. Better to get on meds and not risk your health, it didn't affect my carreer at all.

 

[Raskal]

Relax, there are tons of pilots on bp meds. All you do is fill out a form, start the meds and after 5-7 days of no problems you go back to work. No big deal.

 

[tuna]

What all these guys are saying, is dead on. Relax. But, kill the salt intake. Sodium is not good for your bp.

 

[RightPedal]

Relax, there are tons of pilots on bp meds. All you do is fill out a form, start the meds and after 5-7 days of no problems you go back to work. No big deal.

Unless you have a lazy d!ckhead for a Doctor. Mine said he didn't like people flying around his home and business with HBP. It took me four months to get my letter from him. Had to make copies from leftseat and the FAR's to educate him. So you say change Doctors, Not that easy anymore.
The best thing one can do is make sure both your family doctor and you AME are active pilots regardless if you have medical issues or not.
If you're not on BP med's do whatever you can to stay off of them. If HBP don't kill you the Med's surly will in the long run.