Medical Standards

[minitour]

Looking for BP "limits" for Class 1, 2 & 3 medicals...maybe I looked in the wrong place under Part 67?

Any help would be great!

Thanks

-mini

 

[JeffSKDTW]

Mini-

. Code of Federal Regulations

All Classes: 14 CFR 67.113(b)(c), 67.213 (b)(c) , and 67.313 (b)(c)

Measurement of blood pressure is an essential part of the FAA medical certification examination. The average blood pressure while sitting should not exceed 155 mm mercury systolic and 95 mm mercury diastolic maximum pressure for all classes. A medical assessment is specified for all applicants who need or use antihypertensive medication to control blood pressure.
(See B. below).

II. Examination Techniques

In accordance with accepted clinical procedures, routine blood pressure should be taken with the applicant in the seated position. An applicant should not be denied or deferred first-, second-, or third-class certification unless subsequent recumbent blood pressure readings exceed those contained in this Guide. Any conditions that may adversely affect the validity of the blood pressure reading should be noted.

III. Aerospace Medical Disposition

A. Examining Options

1. An applicant whose pressures are within the above limits, who has not used antihypertensives for 30 days, and who is otherwise qualified should be issued a medical certificate by the Examiner.

2. An applicant whose blood pressure is slightly elevated beyond the FAA specified limits, may, at the Examiner's discretion, have a series of 3 daily blood pressure readings over a
7-day period. If the indication of hypertension remains, even if it is mild or intermittent, the Examiner should defer certification and transmit the application to the AMCD with a note of explanation.

The Examiner must defer issuance of a medical certificate to any applicant whose hypertension has not been evaluated, who uses unacceptable medications, whose medical status is unclear, whose hypertension is uncontrolled, who manifests significant adverse effects of medication, or whose certification has previously been specifically reserved to the FAA.

B. Initial and Followup Evaluation for Hypertensives Under Treatment - See Hypertension Protocol

>>>> http://www.faa.gov/avr/aam/Game/Version_2/03amemanual/WEB/Chapter 4/4.55.htm

 

[minitour]

Thanks...wrong place...dangit

 

[UnAnswerd]

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[minitour]

.....

roger

 

[jimpilot]

No Problem

Flying on BP meds is no big deal. AOPA has a whole section on it. There is a long list of approved meds. If I remember right if you go on an approved med for 30 days, and if there are no ill effects then you can fly again and report it on your next medical. You have to have your family doc do a few blood tests (nothing out of the normal for a yearly physical anyone would get in the real world, not even a stress EKG, details on AOPA) and bring those results with you to your medical. After that each year you just bring a letter from the family doc to your medical that shows two BP readings and reports no ill effects.

I am a white coat fever kind of guy and sweated BP out for years. After giving in and going on meds it has become a non event (medical). I can't say it to strongly, get on the meds, keep an eye on it and enjoy a long flying career!

 

[Rally]

Figure out what is casing your BP. Check it at home to see if its a white coat problem. If it is find a understanding doc. I can be normal BP at home and skyrocket in the AME's office. I'd hasten to get on BP meds. If your overweight fix it, if your eating improperly eat properly, supplement if need be. Use the meds as a last resort, nobody ever mentions that by taking BP meds that you are increasing your chance of heart attack by 60% as meds block signals to your heart to lower your blood pressure thus weakening your heart. AMA states that BP meds are a tempoary measure not a life time treatment.

 

[jimpilot]

Where?

Figure out what is casing your BP. Check it at home to see if its a white coat problem. If it is find a understanding doc. I can be normal BP at home and skyrocket in the AME's office. I'd hasten to get on BP meds. If your overweight fix it, if your eating improperly eat properly, supplement if need be. Use the meds as a last resort, nobody ever mentions that by taking BP meds that you are increasing your chance of heart attack by 60% as meds block signals to your heart to lower your blood pressure thus weakening your heart. AMA states that BP meds are a temporary measure not a life time treatment.

Overall good advise (if you can get it down and keep it down without meds) but what is your source for the 60%? I questioned my doc when I went on meds and he made it plain that the meds have much much less effect than continued high BP. He didn't talk about anything like The 60% number. Where can I read about that figure?

 

[Rally]

I got the source from a MD. I'm sure if you do a search your can find it somewhere. There are many reasons you can get high bp. The purpose of blood pressure meds is to reduce the chance of strokes but have side effects that can cause other things. There are many options, but meds should be a last resort as of the side effects, any responsible doctor will agree with that.

 

[minitour]

Hey how accurate are those BP machines at WalMart and other drug stores?

I'd like to get it checked before Tuesday (my med).

I tend to get a little nervous around medical time...one bust and I'm on the outside looking in...knowing that tends to make me a little nervous about it

-mini

 

[Rally]

Can't remember the source but you won't be on the outside looking in. AME won't deny you immediatly I believe they have to give you a certain amout of time to get on BP meds after a high reading. (look on the AOPA website) Just relax. If I were you I'd get a machine with a memory take your bp at home (assuming its low enough lol) and bring it into the office if it is high. Thats what my AME wanted me to do. Like I said find a understanding AME. My experience with the home machines has been pretty accurate.