Class 1 medical

[aerofoil1]

Good evening all
Apologies in advance if this post is in the wrong place
Here's my issue
I've just applied for my class 1 initial medical which I had done at swanick NATS everything ok apart from my ECG
The doctor said it's showing a slight abnormality left side of the heart is enlarged
Ok this worries me a little so I have to wait 10 days for the head of cardiology at Gatwick to review it
After a wait of 2 weeks finally they get back to me an inform me that I need to see a heart specialist ! Christ how can this be real ! As I'm normally fit and healthy and never had any issues with my heart
Apparently the ECG is showing symptoms of left ventricular hypertrophy a thickeness of the walls in the left side of the heart
How reliable are these tests ? I rang my local GP and told him the problem he says do not worry about it as if I'm thin this can give a false reading something to do with the amount of electricity through my body
So I've asked to have another ECG done locally
I really don't like the idea of paying over £500 for extra tests which by the sound of things I really don't need Is this a way the CAA make extra money out of you
Has anyone else had a similar experience the doctor at swanick has said i could go to a more local specialist clinic and have it checked out but said there is no guarantee they will accept there findings of course id have to pay for it or wait God knows how long on the NHS he was implying that the CAA are the only ones who will give you the ok and charge you shed loads of money for the privilege
What are your thoughts has anyone else had a similar situation as this ?

[redsnail]

I don't think the CAA are trying to make money out of you. They have other ways of doing that.
I have found the aeromed branch very reasonable if cautious - especially if this is your initial.
Is your GP a cardiac specialist?
If the CAA will accept another ECG then why not? But if they don't, you're back to square one.

I would ask the question in the medical forum.

[parkfell]

If you have even one lead which is not quite positioned correctly (for you) then an abnormal reading can occur. I am surprised that the AME did not consider this known issue. The software used is very sensitive, and any abnormal results are printed on the hard copy.
I think your GP is right in saying that if you are say, tall and thin, then the correct positioning of the leads are critical to ensure a correct outcome.
This is best done by a Cardiologist/ Registrar for someone of your shape/size.

Although the CAA have an approved list of these specialists, any cardiology dept will be able to provide this service.
Going private is the most expedient option both for the appointment, and report being sent to Gatwick.
And for the avoidance of any doubt the CAA medical branch will accept reports from consultant cardiologists not on their approved list, and re certify pilots. I speak from experience !

Hopefully a normal ECG will be the result.

[aerofoil1]

Thanks for your input guys
I am booked into to have another ecg done at my health centre I will ask the registrar or who ever conducts the test to make sure they put the sensors on correctly ! I do have a thin and small body frame so fingers crossed all will be ok

[PURPLE PITOT]

You do understand that the CAA will not accept medical advice from a doctor that is not on their approved list.

The cheapest option is not always the best, and if you are looking at a career in aviation, get used to spending big bucks!

Good luck.

[WASALOADIE]

I had a colleague (RAF) some years ago who also had an anomaly indicated on his ECG at his annual medical. Advice sought and he had to wear a portable heart monitor for a number of days. Logging his activity, taking a rest break every so often. When the results were analysed there was nothing untoward indicated. A further ECG displayed the first result. Third ECG on a different machine - nothing. Turned out to be a faulty lead, by which time 3 others were on portable monitors!

[aerofoil1]

Hi
Yes I'm well aware of the costs involved in aviation having got the PPL and Atpl exams done it is painful but that's just the way it is I suppose it's like self investing in yourself
It's a bit annoying if the Results from the ECG come back as completely normal and no further tests would be required that's why I'm having another one done on the possibility they will accept it
I've emailed the CAA explaining my case if they don't accept it obviously I'd have no choice and would have to pay what was required but no harm in trying

[aerofoil1]

Exactly my point you would expect the nurse or doctor to maybe look into the possibility of a false reading before they go off and inform the CAA that something's wrong !

[CaptainCriticalAngle]

A couple of years ago I had an ECG done by a general nurse at my GP's practice. It come up with an 'abnormal' reading.

There followed weeks of tension and nervous waiting on my part, until I went to hospital, had an ECG done by a specialist physiologist and then the results checked by a cardiac physician. They even did a stress test, pumping dye into my blood.

Result: doctor said I had a the heart of a race horse!

All that worrying for nothing. So fingers crossed for you mate.