high blood pressure
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Beazlebub's advice - ALL SHOULD READ IT
Sounds like I'm recruiting for satan !
I'm on Hyzaar forte (and a cholesterol statin) and NO problems. BP is 120/80 on average. Agree also on the AMO requirements. No biggie. All of this is manageable but you cannot let it get out of control. I was terrified of being grounded and I believe that is the biggest fear that most of us have. Once you realise that your career/passion is not threatened then you breath a sigh of relief. But DO NOT IGNORE IT otherwise it will be much more than getting into a cockpit that will be threatened.
I read somewhere (a US article) that some 45% of the population are hypertensive genetically. 40% of that group do NOTHING about it. Unbelievable.
(The article I referred to in last post re increased 'g' tolerance (it was a bad joke BTW) is from October 2003 Aerobatics magazine - Human Factors High Blood by Scott Poehlman IAC 25179)
K
I'm on Hyzaar forte (and a cholesterol statin) and NO problems. BP is 120/80 on average. Agree also on the AMO requirements. No biggie. All of this is manageable but you cannot let it get out of control. I was terrified of being grounded and I believe that is the biggest fear that most of us have. Once you realise that your career/passion is not threatened then you breath a sigh of relief. But DO NOT IGNORE IT otherwise it will be much more than getting into a cockpit that will be threatened.
I read somewhere (a US article) that some 45% of the population are hypertensive genetically. 40% of that group do NOTHING about it. Unbelievable.
(The article I referred to in last post re increased 'g' tolerance (it was a bad joke BTW) is from October 2003 Aerobatics magazine - Human Factors High Blood by Scott Poehlman IAC 25179)
K
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slim_slag
My apologies re former accusation of no life. My point was a response to a colleague in distress (if you read the original question of the thread from vfr on top) . He asked for a short term solution. I gave it to him. He knows the long term solution (pilots are not THAT dumb) and did not ask for an online lecture. He will have at least another year to think about that. I never supposed to offer proper medical advice.
No salt, exercise of course, I would not say cut out drinking unless you cannot go down to a moderate level which (can) be beneficial.
And if, despite everything you cannot get it down, do NOT procastinate, get on medication, it's not that big a deal.You can fly with it.
Or you can do what I did and delay too long (because I was afraid someone would find out) causing myself a permanent though minor cardiovascular problem.
All sorted now, and taking daily medication ( there is no shame) Take care of yourself.
And if, despite everything you cannot get it down, do NOT procastinate, get on medication, it's not that big a deal.You can fly with it.
Or you can do what I did and delay too long (because I was afraid someone would find out) causing myself a permanent though minor cardiovascular problem.
All sorted now, and taking daily medication ( there is no shame) Take care of yourself.
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no problem re-entry. I suppose when you put it like that your solution is quite ingenious, and illegal, but clever all the same. Never thought of it that way 
The thing about the questions posed here is that none of us really have a clue about the specific circumstances of the individual, and cannot really provide meaningful advice unless one has seen the patient. But with something as relevant and common as hypertension it's tempting to provide general advice to the population as a whole. So although vfr on top might not need long term advice, somebody else might benefit from being lectured to lose weight, and that can only be a good thing.
When you say "pilots are not THAT dumb" that's not really the point. I once had the honour of seeing a Nobel Prize Laureate in a cardiology outpatients clinic. He had no clue about his problem, but that didn't make him dumb - his prize was in physics and not medicine. Likewise I sometimes cannot order five chicken soft tacos and a diet coke in the drive through, but that doesn't make me dumb either.
The thing about the questions posed here is that none of us really have a clue about the specific circumstances of the individual, and cannot really provide meaningful advice unless one has seen the patient. But with something as relevant and common as hypertension it's tempting to provide general advice to the population as a whole. So although vfr on top might not need long term advice, somebody else might benefit from being lectured to lose weight, and that can only be a good thing.
When you say "pilots are not THAT dumb" that's not really the point. I once had the honour of seeing a Nobel Prize Laureate in a cardiology outpatients clinic. He had no clue about his problem, but that didn't make him dumb - his prize was in physics and not medicine. Likewise I sometimes cannot order five chicken soft tacos and a diet coke in the drive through, but that doesn't make me dumb either.
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I have high blood pressure which is controlled by drugs (MAN). It ends up about 135-145/80-90 depending upon circumstances.
I have just been to my doctor who said lose weight (OK working on it - down about 6 kgs); exercise more and reduce alcohol intake - he said buy a $50-$100 bottle of red and you will only drink 1 glass a night not the 4 you are.
What a clown!
I have just been to my doctor who said lose weight (OK working on it - down about 6 kgs); exercise more and reduce alcohol intake - he said buy a $50-$100 bottle of red and you will only drink 1 glass a night not the 4 you are.
What a clown!
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vfr,
I'll like to say based on my personal experience you're on the borderline. After passing my first class in 2002 march. I took up martial arts (taekwondo to be precise) Intensive classes twice a week. My weight dropped and i bought a stationary bicycle which is in my living room. I currently do 50 mins on it every sunday Another 650 calories burnt. I've dropped roughly 20 pounds since then and my blood pressure even though it was normal has fallen to the low range. The doctor was impressed when he compared my first results to my renewal one. However unlike you I dont smoke or drink and contrary to what some people are telling you here I will advice you to do your best to drop both habits immediately. As far as I am concerned they serve no usefull purpose. I am sorry if that sounds a bit offensive to those that drink or smoke here.
Having worked in the NHS for a very long time I've seen first hand what abuse of alcohol has done to a lot of families and peoples lives. In almost all the cases they started off as average drinkers. As a man I know it cant look too good when you go to pub with friends to be the only one to order for orange drink or coke. But then you eventually get used to it.
In my own opinion if you do quit you will not be missing anything but you will gain a lot you also get a flat belly. 95% of the time when I tell people my age they simply refuse to believe it I've sometimes had to show some friend at school my license for them to believe it.
Best of luck I can tell it wont be easy but in the end it will be worth it.
I'll like to say based on my personal experience you're on the borderline. After passing my first class in 2002 march. I took up martial arts (taekwondo to be precise) Intensive classes twice a week. My weight dropped and i bought a stationary bicycle which is in my living room. I currently do 50 mins on it every sunday Another 650 calories burnt. I've dropped roughly 20 pounds since then and my blood pressure even though it was normal has fallen to the low range. The doctor was impressed when he compared my first results to my renewal one. However unlike you I dont smoke or drink and contrary to what some people are telling you here I will advice you to do your best to drop both habits immediately. As far as I am concerned they serve no usefull purpose. I am sorry if that sounds a bit offensive to those that drink or smoke here.
Having worked in the NHS for a very long time I've seen first hand what abuse of alcohol has done to a lot of families and peoples lives. In almost all the cases they started off as average drinkers. As a man I know it cant look too good when you go to pub with friends to be the only one to order for orange drink or coke. But then you eventually get used to it.
In my own opinion if you do quit you will not be missing anything but you will gain a lot you also get a flat belly. 95% of the time when I tell people my age they simply refuse to believe it I've sometimes had to show some friend at school my license for them to believe it.
Best of luck I can tell it wont be easy but in the end it will be worth it.
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Nuclear Weapon,
I completely agree with you - having seen you first hand, I must say you look incredibly good for your age, not only that but your intelligence is of the highest standards....
I completely agree with you - having seen you first hand, I must say you look incredibly good for your age, not only that but your intelligence is of the highest standards....
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OzGoose,
I concur, he's fab!
I wish I hadn't drunk so much in my previous years! If I had stuck to the true line, perhaps I would have passed my exams first time and would by now have a type rating and a job.
Oh hang on.........
I concur, he's fab!
I wish I hadn't drunk so much in my previous years! If I had stuck to the true line, perhaps I would have passed my exams first time and would by now have a type rating and a job.
Oh hang on.........
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Bealzebub's advice is spot on. I have high blood pressure and am on an ACE inhibitor not the Beta blocker as mentioned on the beeb today. It was found on my Class 1 renewal but there was no drama. They simply asked for a 24 hour monitor which proved it was high even in bed asleep. I was put on medication successfully. The irritating thing about high blood pressure is that you feel exactly the with or without medication. The only difference is that you will probably die of some related complication if you fail to take your medication.
A Doctor told me that high blood pressure is a game of halves. Half the people who have it don't know, half who know don't take medication and half of those who take medication have side effects.
The biggest problem I found with hypertension was that when I applied for a mortgage the racked up the insurance costs even though I am on medication. Rather ironic, on meds the risk is considerably reduced.
A Doctor told me that high blood pressure is a game of halves. Half the people who have it don't know, half who know don't take medication and half of those who take medication have side effects.
The biggest problem I found with hypertension was that when I applied for a mortgage the racked up the insurance costs even though I am on medication. Rather ironic, on meds the risk is considerably reduced.
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I suffer from high blood pressure and take CAA approved medication to control it.
I don't smoke, I drink moderately and I exercise fiendishly: it's my hobby.
Average BP is normal until I go for my medical when it goes up....white coat syndrome.
Fortunately the CAA are pragmatic; if you join them in trying to reduce your BP they will bend over backwards to help.
I don't smoke, I drink moderately and I exercise fiendishly: it's my hobby.
Average BP is normal until I go for my medical when it goes up....white coat syndrome.
Fortunately the CAA are pragmatic; if you join them in trying to reduce your BP they will bend over backwards to help.
Nixor ut Ledo
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Blood Pressure
Herrumph! First posting on this forum - never had the need to before. However, had my annual aviation medical today and all went swimmingly until we got to the blood pressure part of it. Was high and wouldn't come down so the doc put the medical into hibernation until I've got it sorted. Going to see my GP on Friday but in the meantime what is your advice for getting the pressure down?
Allan907 Factsheet: 182cm, 95kg, age 59, moderate exercise (walk 2 golden retrievers 3 times a day and cycle when I'm down in Cottesloe a coupla days a week), diet could be better - like butter and naughty things like the occasional McD, current stress levels probably high due to nasty divorce/separation, like a glass or 2 or red wine each evening and maybe a scotch.
Any advice gratefully received 'cos I don't want to lose my PPL - I worked too hard for it to lose it now.
Allan907 Factsheet: 182cm, 95kg, age 59, moderate exercise (walk 2 golden retrievers 3 times a day and cycle when I'm down in Cottesloe a coupla days a week), diet could be better - like butter and naughty things like the occasional McD, current stress levels probably high due to nasty divorce/separation, like a glass or 2 or red wine each evening and maybe a scotch.
Any advice gratefully received 'cos I don't want to lose my PPL - I worked too hard for it to lose it now.
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907
may not be much use to say this...not a doctor..but as instructor of many years i have known some who developed this problem and with diet and exercise got to strap the wings on again...
i imagine it will depend on whether you need treatment and whether that controls the pressure...though i do'nt know if the mere fact you might need medication would prevent you flying again...in the case of the others i can think of , i do'nt think they needed medication but i could be wrong..
i will be interested to see what the medics among us say just out of curiosity...
anyway think positive..and good luck with your GP...
may not be much use to say this...not a doctor..but as instructor of many years i have known some who developed this problem and with diet and exercise got to strap the wings on again...
i imagine it will depend on whether you need treatment and whether that controls the pressure...though i do'nt know if the mere fact you might need medication would prevent you flying again...in the case of the others i can think of , i do'nt think they needed medication but i could be wrong..
i will be interested to see what the medics among us say just out of curiosity...
anyway think positive..and good luck with your GP...
niknak
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I suspect he will tell you to keep off the naughty stuff, eat properly, maybe see a dietician and exercise more than you already do.
I was in a similar situation recently (without the divorce) and I've got my BP down from 150/90 to and average of 127/70 through lots and lots of exercise and a sensible diet.
I don't suffer from stress, but the gym/exercise are great levellers, although getting thoughts of your divorce out of your head must be very difficult.
I suspect that your GP might recommend medication of which many are compatible with an aviation medical.
Good luck anyway.
I was in a similar situation recently (without the divorce) and I've got my BP down from 150/90 to and average of 127/70 through lots and lots of exercise and a sensible diet.
I don't suffer from stress, but the gym/exercise are great levellers, although getting thoughts of your divorce out of your head must be very difficult.
I suspect that your GP might recommend medication of which many are compatible with an aviation medical.
Good luck anyway.
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This subject got dealt with here before. Don't know if you can search the results. From my personal experience, strenuous exercise is the single most effective fix.
Also, refer my post 'trans fats'. You might be blocked up. In which case I don't know what the answer is. Maybe there isn't one.
Also, refer my post 'trans fats'. You might be blocked up. In which case I don't know what the answer is. Maybe there isn't one.
Red On, Green On
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907 - I'm the same height as you, a dozen years younger and weigh 45 lbs less, and my BP is well within range. Resting pulse of <50 (what's yours?).
I'd suggest a trip to the GP or similar first, and take some advice as to how to lose around 20-30 lbs.
Up the walks length and pace (to say an hour and half in total, at a good brisk 4 mph), up the cycling/add in some swimming. Think about a gym membership perhaps, if you think you'd keep it up.
Then cut 80% of your red meat from the diet and replace with fish and chicken, cut any beer, ensure at least 5 good portions of fresh fruit and veg, cut any biscuits, cakes and convenience foods, and watch the salt intake
Keep the red wine at 2 glasses per day, and keep the Scotches small-ish.
I'd suggest a trip to the GP or similar first, and take some advice as to how to lose around 20-30 lbs.
Up the walks length and pace (to say an hour and half in total, at a good brisk 4 mph), up the cycling/add in some swimming. Think about a gym membership perhaps, if you think you'd keep it up.
Then cut 80% of your red meat from the diet and replace with fish and chicken, cut any beer, ensure at least 5 good portions of fresh fruit and veg, cut any biscuits, cakes and convenience foods, and watch the salt intake
Keep the red wine at 2 glasses per day, and keep the Scotches small-ish.
Last edited by airborne_artist; 25th Oct 2006 at 11:09. Reason: Edited since 907's post was merged in
Nixor ut Ledo
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Thanks for all the advice. Had the battery of tests and an ECG - all normal. Tad high on the cholesterol and a tad low on the testosterone (!) but within the normal range. Will up the exercise, eat slightly more sensibly, take the prescribed tablets (Coversyl) and pop back to the AvMed man in a week or so. Keep fingers crossed for me!
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907,
Comparable stats....height 1.8m, weight 100kg, age 50. Like food and wine with the meal. Not much exercise these days I am afraid but used to be quite active.
Failed a class 1 on BP a couple of years back, couldn't get the figures below 165/97. Never had a problem before, always cruised through the BP test. Subsequent testing brought up figures as high as 170/110, but varied up and down throughout the day.
GP prescribed Atenolol which helped a bit but not much so Adalat was also prescribed and the figures dropped to 'normal'. After a couple of weekd settling down the class 1 was re-instated. However some side effects were evident particularly heavy limbs and general lack of get up and go.
Atenolol now frowned upon in the UK due to side effects and stoped by my GP so just on Adalat for the moment and keeping a wary eye on the figures that creep outside limits normally during the morning.
Planning a regime of more exercise to see if I can stabilise it in the green arc and perhaps shed a bit of weight, but you can stress yourself up by putting yourself under pressure to get the readings down which is then self defeating.
Sorry to here about the divorce, these things really do bump up the pressure even if you think you are dealing with it
Comparable stats....height 1.8m, weight 100kg, age 50. Like food and wine with the meal. Not much exercise these days I am afraid but used to be quite active.
Failed a class 1 on BP a couple of years back, couldn't get the figures below 165/97. Never had a problem before, always cruised through the BP test. Subsequent testing brought up figures as high as 170/110, but varied up and down throughout the day.
GP prescribed Atenolol which helped a bit but not much so Adalat was also prescribed and the figures dropped to 'normal'. After a couple of weekd settling down the class 1 was re-instated. However some side effects were evident particularly heavy limbs and general lack of get up and go.
Atenolol now frowned upon in the UK due to side effects and stoped by my GP so just on Adalat for the moment and keeping a wary eye on the figures that creep outside limits normally during the morning.
Planning a regime of more exercise to see if I can stabilise it in the green arc and perhaps shed a bit of weight, but you can stress yourself up by putting yourself under pressure to get the readings down which is then self defeating.
Sorry to here about the divorce, these things really do bump up the pressure even if you think you are dealing with it
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VFR,
Bit of advice I once heard to get the BP down before a medical is to bash
off!
Not sure I should be saying that on here but apparently it works.
Bit of advice I once heard to get the BP down before a medical is to bash
off!Not sure I should be saying that on here but apparently it works.