Hypertension, Medication & CASA

[Soab]

I understand you can take medication for hypertension and still maintain a Class 1 medical in AUS/NZ.

What are the highest readings they will accept while on medication.
Also is there a preferred medication for pilots.

I am not flying at the moment so have not done a medical or talked to a DAME about it.
I was trying to lower it myself, but need medication help at the moment.

Anyone out there on a AUS or NZ licence taking medication and still flying. Would appreciate info on what your taking, dosage, BP readings and issues you may have had with the DAME or CASA.
You could PM me if you prefer.

[Airclues]

Soab

You might find something on these threads;

http://www.pprune.org/medical-health/303414-blood-pressure-hypertension-thread.html

http://www.pprune.org/medical-health/223714-high-blood-pressure.html

http://www.pprune.org/medical-health/319294-high-blood-pressure-medication-flying-career.html

http://www.pprune.org/medical-health/335742-raised-blood-pressure.html

http://www.pprune.org/medical-health/450745-whats-blood-pressure-upper-limits-class-1-medical.html

http://www.pprune.org/medical-health/473090-blood-pressure-problems.html

http://www.pprune.org/medical-health/349732-hypertension-how-long-get-tablet-strength-correct.html

[Soab]

Dave,

Thanks for the links. I had read through most of those.

Im after specific info from those that have gone through BP, medication etc with CASA or the NZCAA, rather than the UK or US.
CASA website states 150/90 is the limit. Not sure if you had 149/89 whether than would just sign you off, or require monitoring or medication as that sounds quite high for average readings. What reading would they require further tests or meds.
Ive had tests done with my GP (standard Govt tests) of blood and f*****s and thats all within limits.

There must be some Aussies out there that are on meds.

[Airclues]

Have you tried Alistrol? Works for me.

[RogerCodger]

The CASA Medical Questionnaire and Examination Form that the DAME uses
states:

Is the blood pressure outside of acceptable limits (160/95)? Y N

State the blood pressure

So the limits are quite high but I would suspect a DAME to be issuing drugs for a pilot walking around with that kind of pressure. Would be interested in other successful methods that people have used. How much did Alistrol drop your BP by Airclues. Let us know how you get along Soab.

[Pace]

Have you tried Alistrol? Works for me.

Alistrol is a totally natural herbal product with no side effects which you can buy.
I tend to bump along the top end of normal and Alistrol drops me considerably to well into normal.
Expensive though

[Ollie Onion]

I had pre hypertension with readings consistently around 145/90, I use this:


Quite a popular piece of equipment in the UK and my readings are now around 120/80. It is basically a machine that takes you through a meditation cycle, same results can be achieved with transcendental meditation.

Worth a go in conjunction with your medication and it has the bonus of being very very relaxing.

[parabellum]

Funny how the limits change as the pharmaceutical industry grows!

Ask an old nurse and she will say that the rule of thumb for 'OK' was your age plus one hundred over one hundred!

[Soab]

RogerCodger,

Only just checked back on this thread.

Thanks for the info. 160/95 is very high. I wouldnt have thought you would pass a medical if you had 159/94 at a medical.

[homonculus]

I think we are muddling the level at which high blood pressure needs treating with the level where you won't get a medical

The acceptable upper limit before we treat the general public has been lowered over the years not because of the pharmacological industry but because clinical studies have shown the risk of not treating is greater than the risk of giving drugs to lower it - the risk benefit ratio. But the level at which you can renew your license either on or off drugs will be higher because a significant proportion of the population still run above the treatment threshold even on drugs. Although they are at an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes the degree of risk relates to the measurement (in very general terms) so there will be a range above the treatment range but below the cut off for a medical failure

I can only speak for the UK but 160/95 sounds about right as above this you really do need investigating and treating so a suspension as opposed to elimination of medical is sensible

However we now like to see the diastolic - the lower number - at 80 or less again in the general public, and otherwise you should discuss drug therapy with your doctor. Relaxation has indeed been shown to reduce blood pressure - it is called bio feedback - but if it doesn't work you need drugs

[jxk]

Loosing weight will reduce BP.

[Shack37]

I'm not a medical professional but have been on drug treatment for hypertension since 1974 when I was only thirty. This was because my employers then and since, required me to have a medical every two years.

In the last 15 years before retirement I worked offshore and I know that if I presented with 160/95 I would not have been given the certificate I needed to work offshore. Twice I've been fitted with a 24 hour monitor which indicated changes in BP throughout the day.

It seems to me that a 160/95, one off reading could therefore be lower or indeed even higher at other times eg during periods of stress.

[homonculus]

Absolutely which is why no doctor would treat on a single reading. We normally tell borderline patients to buy a machine and take their own readings. Blood pressure goes up and down and it is the lowest reading we take. Exercise, stress, and even the sight of an AME can put blood pressure up but this is not dangerous as long as the resting pressure is OK

As has been said, losing weight, stopping smoking, reducing salt and biofeedback. (relaxation) can all reduce blood pressure and avoid or reduce the amount of drugs needed. However drug medication above an acceptable threshold is generally safe and saves lives