Blood Pressure and Flying....

David-aviator · #1 11-20-2009, 06:53 PM

My blood pressure as of about 10 minutes ago was 116/61, pulse 72.

That was not the case on November 3, when I visited my AME for a class III medical renewal. That day it was 160/100. I was in trouble, knew it and my doc was not happy. He suggested I come back in a few days for another check. He's had me on a BP pill for quite some time and it apparently was not working anymore.

I went back several times for a BP check with one of his assistants and while it was somewhat lower, he still was not happy. I decided to make a second appointment so I could talk to him about the "white coat" syndrome, thinking that was part of the problem. There also was a death in the family that week and I thought maybe that was a factor.

But I knew I was pulling at straws. I did a search on the internet for some advice on the subject. There is a ton of it - everything from slow breathing to herbal pills to some very basic advice, like stupid, get on an exercise program. (But I hate formal exercise and always have, it is so, so boring and wastes a lot of time.)

I opted to dust off our tread mill which had not been used for some time. I hate that machine with a passion but much to my surprise and delight, BP came down 10 points over night. All it takes is 20 or 30 minutes a day. I've rigged up a shelf to hold a lap top computer and kill the time watching great old favorite movies - like Piece of Cake for the umpteenth time.

When I showed up for the second AME appointment, the initial reading was 138/80 taken by a technician. I was nervous as heck as BP was up from 110/70 at home. I had to wait some 45 minutes for the Doc and knew I was on thin ice with him so I tried to relax, even took a short nap waiting in this cubicle. When he walked in, I showed him the readings from the previous several days at home, but what really cinched it was when he took a reading and it came in at 124/74. He was happy with a grin. So was I. And relieved. I had the medical certificate one more time.

I guess the point of this story is you're never to old to learn something new. Exercise does cure hypertension. I've been told that by Dr's but never believed it. It was easier to continue to hate the idea and look for some other reason and solution for the problem. Live and learn, or is it learn and live?

The bearings of the treadmill will need some oil, I've about decided to make it a permanent deal every day whenever possible. I do want to continue flying above all else. The way this thing is going, I may be able to get off the BP pill. The dose is reduced already and the pressure continues to fall.

jsharkey · #2 11-20-2009, 07:39 PM

I believe that there is no longer a specific BP requirement in FAR 67.3XX that covers Third Class certificates, or any other class of certificate for that matter. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Can an AME decline a certificate for high blood pressure under the General Medical Condition clause - 67.313(b)(1) "Makes the person unable to perform the duties....etc, etc."?

Having said that - congratulations, well done and keep it up

It's good all around to exercise - it increases strength and endurance, not to mention the mental health and overall productivity benefit of releasing all these natural endorphins into your brain. You just feel better.

I'm training to try and not embarrass myself at our local Turkey Trot on Thursday. However I still seem to get slower every year - I wonder why? Still it lets me enjoy thanksgiving dinner with less guilt

Jim Sharkey

KirkGrovesRV8 · #3 11-20-2009, 07:43 PM

Holy Hanna David

Are you a convert now

Yay for exercise

All kidding aside I am happy for you

P.S P90X rocks hehehehe

David-aviator · #4 11-20-2009, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsharkey

I believe that there is no longer a specific BP requirement in FAR 67.3XX that covers Third Class certificates, or any other class of certificate for that matter. Correct me if I'm wrong.

It is not covered in the FAR's. It's in the 2009 Guide for Medical Examiners, a copy of which can be down loaded from AOPA. It has plenty to say about hypertension. Here is an example -

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.

Hypertension medications are approved by the FAA but the AME must monitor the administration of the drugs for a specified time period to insure they do not have side effects that could affect a pilots ability to fly. It has not been a big deal for me.

Rodoc · #5 11-20-2009, 09:23 PM

I am glad you re-discovered exercize. It will help in many ways other than just your blood pressure. It's all about being healthy, not just appearing so once every year or two... That being said:

The other thing to remember is that caffiene and other energy drinks (stimulants) will also raise your blood pressure. If you consume a small amount each morning you should skip it on the day of your exam. If you consume caffiene (or other stimulants) throughout the day ... well, you shouldnt. But if you just can't help yourself, tapering off it for several days prior to your exam will likely help with the blood pressure too.

Dave Leonard, M.D.
Ex-Navy Flight Surgeon

OceanBob · #6 11-20-2009, 09:32 PM

My neighbor lost 40 pounds and his blood pressure returned to the normal range for his age. No more medication for him.

N526JS · #7 11-20-2009, 09:52 PM

Yes, exercise can help. Does not have to be a lot, some bicycling or treadmill every day helps significantly. And, knock off the alcholol for a while. I went to my regular doctor for a check up once after sharing a bottle of wine with the wife the night before. Not something I usually do. Not good for the BP measurement on that day. Also, dont just drive to the doctor's office and sit down for the BP cuff, even after sitting in the waiting room for a while, a higher than normal reading is assured. I try to get to the office about 40 munites prior to the appointment. Then I take a nice relaxing walk around the nearby park. Soothing waterways, birds chirping, leaves swaying in the wind, etc. Helps a lot.

jsharkey · #8 11-21-2009, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David-aviator

It is not covered in the FAR's. It's in the 2009 Guide for Medical Examiners, a copy of which can be down loaded from AOPA. It has plenty to say about hypertension. Here is an example -

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.

Hypertension medications are approved by the FAA but the AME must monitor the administration of the drugs for a specified time period to insure they do not have side effects that could affect a pilots ability to fly. It has not been a big deal for me.

Thanks for that reference.
Jim Sharkey
PS - Piece of Cake was a great TV series

robertahegy · #9 11-21-2009, 06:01 AM

Another thing to help is cut down on sodium (salt) intake and cut out items with fructose (soda).

Roberta

bsacks05 · #10 11-21-2009, 06:09 AM

For the past 1.5 years I have gone to the gym about 4 hrs a week, stopped eating after 9pm, drink the lowest calorie beer I can find (MGD 64), and have lost 15 pounds so far. Dr. visits have been good and I can finally get my aileron trim off full right when I fly solo.