Found this on UK CAA website 160/95??
Extract on HYPERTENSION from the CAA
Website (www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=49&pagetype=90&pageid=3408)
How is hypertension treated?
The British Hypertension Society recommends that anyone with a blood pressure of 140/90 or over should be diagnosed as hypertensive. The Joint Aviation Authorities (JAR) state that any pilot with a blood pressure consistently over 160/95 requires grounding for assessment and treatment. Your doctor may recommend that you commence medication even if your pressures are lower than these, according to best clinical practice.
Once you have been diagnosed as having hypertension, your medical certificate will be temporarily suspended until you have undergone assessment and been commenced on effective treatment. This assessment will be done by a cardiologist, though if you are a private pilot, you may have it done by your GP. Your risk of complications such as coronary heart disease and stroke will be assessed, blood tests will be taken, and an ultrasound scan (echocardiogram) may be required to check the structure and function of your heart. An aviation protocol for the assessment and treatment of hypertension for your doctor can be accessed by clicking here.
How your blood pressure is treated will depend upon how high it is and how many “risk factors” you have for heart disease and stroke. A number of medications are now acceptable for aviators and air traffic controllers.- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists
- Calcium channel blockers ß
- Beta-blockers (atenolol or bisoprolol. Not propanolol)
- Thiazide diuretics
- Potassium-sparing diuretics
Unacceptable medications:- Centrally acting agents
- Adrenergic blocking drugs
- Alpha-blocking drugs
- Loop diuretics
Your treating doctor will determine the best drug or combination of drugs for you, start you on treatment and monitor your progress. Antihypertensive medication can cause side effects and this is the reason you are grounded for at least the first two weeks of your treatment. Once your blood pressure is under control, and you have no side effects, you can return to flying or controlling. If you have any complications of hypertension or multiple risk factors, a multi-crew or safety pilot limitation (OML or OSL) may be required.
Continuing to take antihypertensive medication is important. As soon as you stop, your blood pressure will go back up, as will your risk of heart attack or stroke. If you experience any unusual symptoms, which you think may be caused by your medication, you should discuss a change of medication with your GP. If your medication is changed or the dose increased, you should not fly for at least two weeks until you are stable again. You should keep your Aeromedical Examiner (AME) informed of any changes, and he or she will always be able to give advice about the most appropriate type of treatment.