Blood pressure question

[murl]

First of all I have read most of the blood pressure post on JC, and still have a couple of questions. I am 22 years old and both sides of my family have high blood pressure. I was on prinzide 10/12.5 for a period of about six months. My family doctor started me on it when I went in for a kidney infection and it was high. He told me to get it under control and I could get off of it. So recently I started to lower my Na intake to less than 1500mg per day, which is very difficult. My blood pressure still runs >120/80 to 130/90 usually. I have not been exercising for sometime, but even when I did. it did not lower it that much. I am going to be seeking a class 1 medical in the near future to pursue a career in aviation. Is this something I should try to continue to control with exercise and eating habits or should I try to get on a medication long term to control it? If I do get on a blood pressure medication what can I expect to have to go through with the AME for the first class? If it is going to be a big hassle I would rather just try and control it with eating habits and exercise.

Thanks in advance,
Ryan

[kellwolf]

Here's the way my doctor (who is both my primary care and my AME) broke it down for me. The first time is a pain in the rear. So, if you're still training, this would be the best time to do it. For me, I'd probably have a two week vacation without pay. You need a laundry list of results from your primary doctor to take with you to the AME. Depending on the risk factors associated (family history, drinking, smoking, etc), the FAA can request a treadmill exam as well. If the risk factors aren't that bad, you probably won't have to do that. Once you get the medical, you just have to take a piece of paper in when you get it renewed (or maybe it's just once a year) from your doctor saying everything is good and under control.

My BP runs about like yours, and my doctor and I have decided just to control it with diet and exercise. I could stand to lose a few pounds anyway.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Agree,first time is the most difficult. It is really not hard to get all the information the AME will need. http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...nsion/initial/ If all the test results look good, the AME can issue the certificate at the time of the physical. He/she just has to forward all of the documentation to the FAA with the 8500-8. You will then get a letter in about 6 weeks saying you can have a medical but you must provide certian information to the AME for each physical. http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...sion/followup/ The AME then just needs to comment on the results from your family doc on the 8500-8.