Bert Stiles
19th Jun 2013, 15:31
I've checked for previous posts on the subject, but didn't find any. Given that BP must be one of the most asked about topics in aviation medicine, I'm surprised.
A couple of questions:
Previously thought to be rare, Primary Aldosteronism (PA) is variously reported to be responsible for around 10% of cases of hypertension. A massive number of people. Why is it not routinely tested for on first suspicion of a diagnosis of hypertension? Or is it?
PA is usually caused by either benign adenoma of an adrenal gland (removable) or hyperplasia of both adrenal glands (treatable with an aldosterone antagonist). There are other, but much rarer causes. Do either of these treatments preclude flying? I would have thought not.
Bert.
A couple of questions:
Previously thought to be rare, Primary Aldosteronism (PA) is variously reported to be responsible for around 10% of cases of hypertension. A massive number of people. Why is it not routinely tested for on first suspicion of a diagnosis of hypertension? Or is it?
PA is usually caused by either benign adenoma of an adrenal gland (removable) or hyperplasia of both adrenal glands (treatable with an aldosterone antagonist). There are other, but much rarer causes. Do either of these treatments preclude flying? I would have thought not.
Bert.