high blood pressure again...

[particlem86]

I recently went to renew my medical and the doc said I had high blood pressure. He didn't really specify how high, but asked if it has been high before or if I had a history of it in my family, neither of which are true (to my knowledge). My Dad even said he has a history of low BP. He told me to chill out and eat right for a few days and come back. I went to the local mega mart to use their top notch machine, and it still read high, right about the high end of the passing level if I remember from my research in here. Since I found out I went on an all water and juice diet w/ a little sodium intake as possible. (obviously food still in the diet) The last few months leading up to the exam were probably some of the most stressful in my life, which in turn let to a pretty poor diet. He also asked if I had been doing any intense workouts, which turns out the 2 days before I was sort of forced to move a lot of my heavy furniture. Apparantly he thought that could have been part of it. They also said there was a very small amount of blood in my urine, which they didn't seem too worried about, but I know I don't feel the same. I've looked into the home additions of the blood pressure testers, because I can feel myself get worked up when they bring them out. Even the store versions make me nervous. (I think the constricting on my arm doesn't get alone with my nervs too well) I've got a couple days left until I need to go back, but didn't know if anybody had any ideas, thoughts, haha or even words of incouragment. I've been getting 1st class medicals for about 8 years now, and never had a problem, and I'm a only in my mid 20's. Thanks.

[My Flight Surgeon]

If your blood pressure is elevated, you need to get it evaluated and treated. You can get a Class 1 with hypertension.

[JC1188]

I'm confused as to what the limits are for a Class 1 medical, can anyone clarify?

155/96 or 140/90?

[My Flight Surgeon]

FAA limits are 155/96. The limits for your long life are 135/85.

[bluelake]

Ive been told by my last AME that I am on the edge, so to speak and that I should monitor at home, see my family doc (have none) if I am getting these "at the edge" results at home. My next medical is in march, unless i upgrade to captain in which I'll be scrambling!

I've gone to the FAA website and casually read over the requirements to handle this, but what is not clear to me is this dreaded "30 days of no flying" I keep sort of hearing about. Is there a standard step in this process that mandates no flying? for whom? for how long? etc...

My annual lifestyle is to take off as much time as I can each autumn.. sept and october. If I am going to HAVE to take some time off work, I would just as soon get this process started and lose my medical during a favorable time of year for me.

Thanks

[My Flight Surgeon]

Actually it says 2 weeks from when you start medication until you can fly. The reason is the potential side effects and incapacitation from the drugs. If you tolerate them at 2 weeks, you should be OK.

[Rodelu]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

FAA limits are 155/96. The limits for your long life are 135/85.

Great advice.. very true...Thanks!

[greg1016]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

FAA limits are 155/96. The limits for your long life are 135/85.

Are these the same limits for Air Traffic Control? They said my BP was "a little high" at my physical, and now I need to have a form filled out. I do not have a history of high BP, but I did drive to the Atlanta PEPC so I was eating more fast food than usual, had a greasy southern breakfast with bacon, sausage, hash browns, etc. and it was my first time in a doctor's office in about 5 years, not to mention one of the biggest days of my life at the PEPC.

Unfortunately, I don't know what it was that triggered it. I'd like to check my own BP at the local pharmacy before I set up the appointments to have this form filled out. I don't know the symptoms of high BP but I don't feel any different than I always did.

[My Flight Surgeon]

No, there are standards for ATC based on age. They have been posted here before.

Originally Posted by greg1016

Are these the same limits for Air Traffic Control? They said my BP was "a little high" at my physical, and now I need to have a form filled out. I do not have a history of high BP, but I did drive to the Atlanta PEPC so I was eating more fast food than usual, had a greasy southern breakfast with bacon, sausage, hash browns, etc. and it was my first time in a doctor's office in about 5 years, not to mention one of the biggest days of my life at the PEPC.

Unfortunately, I don't know what it was that triggered it. I'd like to check my own BP at the local pharmacy before I set up the appointments to have this form filled out. I don't know the symptoms of high BP but I don't feel any different than I always did.

[greg1016]

well, thanks doc, 140/90 for my age group. 150/90 for the next bracket. Funny how at age 27 I am expected to have the BP of a 20 year old, but if I were 30 I would be in according to the standards.

Thank you for the help.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Better to have it below 135/86 to prevent a stroke.

[greg1016]

already on a diet, thanks again for the help.