Over the years, (I am 61) my blood pressure has been creeping up. I have been exercising but I can do more, for sure. How does high blood pressure affect a 3rd class medical? Can you lose the medical for high blood pressure or for certain meds taken to control it?
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I am a new student pilot at age 61. I have been on blood pressure medicine for 8 years. I applied for my 3 class medical back in July of 2002. I had surgrey as well back in 2001. Last week I finally got my medical, however it is only good until Aug of 2003. I must follow up with with follow -up from my treating Dr that treated me for the surgrey and reply to the FAA. The blood pressure was a factor in the delay as well. I think that the combination of the two medical concerns took so long in getting me my medical. I feel great and hope to realize my dream of being a good pilot.
The FAA's absolute max BP is 155/95 yet many physicians will prescribe medication for anything greater than 130/85. Pilots with the diagnosis of hypertension and using medications to control blood pressure, must provide documentation to the FAA or AME to gain approval. It is very important to have all essential medical records at the time of your FAA medical exam. Aviation Medical Examiners often defer medical applicants with these issues which can result in lengthy delays. The 3 main items needed are:
(1) Blood work including lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, etc) and fasting blood sugar value.
(2) A resting ECG/EKG
(3) A note from your private/treating physician which details your cardiovascular status and states your hypertension is not secondary to something more serious such as heart disease.
A protocol for the cardiovascular evaluation may be downloaded at: http://www.leftseat.com/FAAforms.htm.
This is kind of an old post, but I thought I would jump in anyway. In my case I am now 63, have controlled hypertension, and had surgery for kidney cancer in 1998, with no evidence of that disease over the past 7 years, since the surgery. Both are disqualifying and require a waiver. The first time I renewed my 2nd class after these conditions arose, the AME was required to deny the certificate and send it to Kansas City, along with all the required documentation, letters from doctors stating that my hypertension was controlled, that I was not undergoing any radiation or chemo-therapy, blood work-cbc, fasting glucose, lipids, etc. I did not need and ekg. Be prepared for a long wait. In my case I went to the AME in November and it wasn't until the following May that I received the medical certificate from Kansas City. That was after a call to the FAA from my US Senator. It became much easier after that. Along with the certificate was a letter or authorization that delineated what was required. As long as that was presented to the AME, he could then issue the medical. The certificate is required to say that it is not good for any class 12 calendar months after issue. BTW, I seem to remember the AME telling me at the last medical that the FAA was or did lower the absolute maximum BP reading. I don't know if that is correct or not.
The AOPA can be a big help in these situations.
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