Complete RBBB found on ECG

[AngelsTen]

Hi all,

Had my results back from AME and an abnormality was found on my ECG, a complete RBBB. He has reccomended I have a series of tests, 24 holter, exercise ecg and echocardiogram.

I was born with a hole in the heart, but this has never been cause for concern and never had any medical procedure relating to it. Of cause my condition was fully decarled on my application.

I know there our two different types incomplete and complete, I did a search on here and only really found info regarding incomplete.

My question is, has anybody else been flagged for having a complete RBBB and what was the outcome for you?

Kind Regards

AngelsTen

[Radgirl]

I dont have a definitive answer but RBBB can occur in the absence of any pathology, especially in young adults (sorry, cant see your age!!). In addition the hole in the heart you had can result incomplete RBBB and a significant number of people with incomplete go on to develop complete

I am not an AME but I suspect the CAA will wish to exclude significant underlying causes such as ischaemic heart disease. In the absence of these I am not aware that RBBB has been shown to have a significant risk of incapacitation. I hope this gives you some reassurance, and as always please let us know the outcome so we can help others

[AngelsTen]

I dont have a definitive answer but RBBB can occur in the absence of any pathology, especially in young adults (sorry, cant see your age!!). In addition the hole in the heart you had can result incomplete RBBB and a significant number of people with incomplete go on to develop complete

I am not an AME but I suspect the CAA will wish to exclude significant underlying causes such as ischaemic heart disease. In the absence of these I am not aware that RBBB has been shown to have a significant risk of incapacitation. I hope this gives you some reassurance, and as always please let us know the outcome so we can help others

Thanks for the reply Radgirl,

I’m 35 and never ever had any problems with my heart. I’ve read that LBBB is far worse!

Even the AME said don’t be alarmed by the investigations, it’s unlikey to prove any significant health problem, but from a aviation certification stand point they want to see further proof that Fit to fly.

But it still doesn’t stop you from worrying!

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

An ATC colleague of mine at Heathrow had a RBBB and held a Class 1 medical for many years.

[AngelsTen]

An ATC colleague of mine at Heathrow had a RBBB and held a Class 1 medical for many years.


Hi Heathrow director, was it an incomplete or complete?

Kind Regards

[Capt Scribble]

There is a set process for checking the condition for a Class 1. . RBBB is normally caused by a natural process but can be caused by coronary heart disease, and this needs to be discounted. If the initial set of tests is not irregular, you will operate on an OML for a year (no single pilot ops), and a follow up examination will be made after a year. If that is OK, the OML will be removed. The medics can call for another look by a specialist in the future if they wish. No other problems for 11 years since diagnosis. The process may have changed, you will need to check.

[Radgirl]

I was born with a hole in the heart

I’m 35 and never ever had any problems with my heart

:suspect:

Good to hear your experience Capt Scribble. Hopefully now that cardiac CT is cheap and easy and available the restrictions might be even less