Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB)
RBBB
Hey Whirlybird
I humbly apologise labelling you a journo, a more devastating slight I could not have bestowed upon you.
Having done an exercise test, I can vouch for it being a pain in the a**e, but thankfully not in the chest.
Air pig.
I humbly apologise labelling you a journo, a more devastating slight I could not have bestowed upon you.
Having done an exercise test, I can vouch for it being a pain in the a**e, but thankfully not in the chest.
Air pig.
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bbrush,
That's me. This thread has actually been an interesting read. Upon my initial UK Class 1/EU Class 3 at Gatwick about three weeks ago [ATCO Licence], 'Left Axis Deviation' was reported on my ECG reading.
I had to have a follow-up consultation and exercise ECG on Tuesday. The exercise ECG went very well and I got pleasing results, however during my consultation, the Cardiologist seemed to pick up a slight murmur and has requested that I undergo an Echocardiogram. Hugely frustrating as it means a longer wait of uncertainty, not to mention the £250.00 price tag attached.
Have considered going down the NHS route [free of charge], however this is likely to incur further delays so may well have to end up returning to the CAA to get the Echocardiogram carried out. No request of a 24-hour ECG though.
Cardiologist informed me that the CAA will 'normally' still issue me with a EU Class 3 certificate provided that the murmur [possibly caused by a minor leakage from a heart valve] isn't too major.
Those are my experiences thus far. Has anyone else been issued with a certificate upon a discovery of a heart murmur? I'm trying to remain positive, but can't help getting a little anxious.
That's me. This thread has actually been an interesting read. Upon my initial UK Class 1/EU Class 3 at Gatwick about three weeks ago [ATCO Licence], 'Left Axis Deviation' was reported on my ECG reading.
I had to have a follow-up consultation and exercise ECG on Tuesday. The exercise ECG went very well and I got pleasing results, however during my consultation, the Cardiologist seemed to pick up a slight murmur and has requested that I undergo an Echocardiogram. Hugely frustrating as it means a longer wait of uncertainty, not to mention the £250.00 price tag attached.
Have considered going down the NHS route [free of charge], however this is likely to incur further delays so may well have to end up returning to the CAA to get the Echocardiogram carried out. No request of a 24-hour ECG though.
Cardiologist informed me that the CAA will 'normally' still issue me with a EU Class 3 certificate provided that the murmur [possibly caused by a minor leakage from a heart valve] isn't too major.
Those are my experiences thus far. Has anyone else been issued with a certificate upon a discovery of a heart murmur? I'm trying to remain positive, but can't help getting a little anxious.
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Same issue for me. First picked up in SE Asia during the four hour medical with one of the most competent physicians I have encountered. He mentioned the result and he was sure I was well aware but I was certainly not. My questions were ultimately met with it's no big deal, lots of pilots have it.
I was however advised that if I ended up in the hospital with a heart attack the ECG would be useless unless the staff knew of the condition.
I was however advised that if I ended up in the hospital with a heart attack the ECG would be useless unless the staff knew of the condition.
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Surely if you are a Heathrow ATCO you would not have to pay that?
Received news from my GP today that I would be looking at a three month wait, should I go down the NHS route. Would like to get things moving as soon as possible though, so I may have to end up forking out the money and return to the CAA. Given the fact that I need to get my certificate within twelve months of my conditional job offer, would encourage me to get things done quickly, so it looks to be the expensive route after all.
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On the, thankfully, rare occasions when I have needed specialist examinations I have forked out for private treatment. With NHS it was 2-3 months of waiting and worrying but going private had the job done in a few days.
Good luck. Hope everything pans out OK.
Good luck. Hope everything pans out OK.
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Incomplete RBBB
Can anyone tell me if this is a less significant form?
I've just had class 2 & had this picked up. AME told me one in five people have this & it's nothing to worry about, just needs to be reported. Also said won't affect me getting class 1 either.
I've just had class 2 & had this picked up. AME told me one in five people have this & it's nothing to worry about, just needs to be reported. Also said won't affect me getting class 1 either.
The Original Whirly
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Yes, if it's incomplete there's no problem and you can get a Class 1. I found that out when doing some research. I think it's somewhere on the CAA website, but I can't remember where now.
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Cheers, Whirlybird.
I did have a quick search but never found it, however on looking again found it this time:
it's in JAR 3.145 (Subpart B) page 35
"Incomplete Right Bundle Branch
I did have a quick search but never found it, however on looking again found it this time:
it's in JAR 3.145 (Subpart B) page 35
"Incomplete Right Bundle Branch
Block
This does not require investigation. The
RBBB algorithm only applies to This does not require investigation. The
complete right bundle branch block."
I was starting to wory reading this thread, thought I would need countless extra tests (& £££££'s). Should have trusted my AME!
Cheers MM
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Current algorithm for RBBB for a EU Class 3:
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/1943/RBBB%20Algo0609.pdf
It's strange, I haven't been requested to do a 24-hour ECG. Instead, just an Echocardiogram.
Thanks, HD. Hopefully things will pan out okay. I'm looking to book an appointment with the CAA as soon as possible. Might be a slight wait of a week or two as their Cardiologists are not in every day.
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/1943/RBBB%20Algo0609.pdf
It's strange, I haven't been requested to do a 24-hour ECG. Instead, just an Echocardiogram.
Thanks, HD. Hopefully things will pan out okay. I'm looking to book an appointment with the CAA as soon as possible. Might be a slight wait of a week or two as their Cardiologists are not in every day.
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At 63, I`ve just lost my Class 1 Medical having been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation. The CAA, remember the days when they used to be a non profit-making organisation, have grounded me and sent me a copy of their Protocol and a list of Consultants and standard fees.
Now out of work, and surviving on 2 small pensions from previous employers, I took the cheap way out.
I took my CAA letters, including the Protocol to my GP, who I have known for over 20 years. She logged on to the local NHS site was able to get me an appointment at my local Hospital the following week. I have completed all the tests, didn`t do well on the exercise ECG, being overweight didn`t help, but so far it hasn`t cost me anything.
I`m on tablets approved by the CAA and so will try and get another excercise ECG at a later date and if that is satisfactory will send the documents off to the CAA, with the appropriate fee of course, for them to read and pontificate.
Now out of work, and surviving on 2 small pensions from previous employers, I took the cheap way out.
I took my CAA letters, including the Protocol to my GP, who I have known for over 20 years. She logged on to the local NHS site was able to get me an appointment at my local Hospital the following week. I have completed all the tests, didn`t do well on the exercise ECG, being overweight didn`t help, but so far it hasn`t cost me anything.
I`m on tablets approved by the CAA and so will try and get another excercise ECG at a later date and if that is satisfactory will send the documents off to the CAA, with the appropriate fee of course, for them to read and pontificate.
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Received confirmation today that I have gained my EU Class 3 [UK Class 1] Medical!!
This was following on from my original Left Axis Deviation. It emerged that I have a slight heart murmur, however following on from my Echocardiogram, the murmur seems minor enough for the CAA Medics to grant me my certificate!
I'll have to have another Echocardiogram in three years time to make sure nothing has changed significantly, but aside from that, my ATCO career can begin! I am absolutely ecstatic!
All the best to anyone going through the medical process. Although it can be costly at the CAA, they do a fantastic job and I wholeheartedly recommend their expertise.
This was following on from my original Left Axis Deviation. It emerged that I have a slight heart murmur, however following on from my Echocardiogram, the murmur seems minor enough for the CAA Medics to grant me my certificate!
I'll have to have another Echocardiogram in three years time to make sure nothing has changed significantly, but aside from that, my ATCO career can begin! I am absolutely ecstatic!
All the best to anyone going through the medical process. Although it can be costly at the CAA, they do a fantastic job and I wholeheartedly recommend their expertise.
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So glad all has panned out OK. My wife has a heart murmur, which was only found with an echo scan 2 years ago. She had it checked recently and it had not changed so she has to have her next check in 3 years.
If you have a UK Class 1 medical there ain't much wrong with you!!
Hope all goes well with the course...
If you have a UK Class 1 medical there ain't much wrong with you!!
Hope all goes well with the course...
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Advice needed please
I have been invited to attend the Stage 1 Selection Tests for the position of Trainee Air Traffic Controller. My medical history is as follows:
1985 - heart valve replacement surgery to correct congenital heart murmur
1985 - cardiac pacemaker inserted as a result of above surgery (heart block)
I take warfarin & atenolol on a daily basis
I am a fit and healthy person who leads a normal active life and the only things I should avoid are things like airport scanners, big magnets & playing rugby!!
I've not been able to get a definitive decision from NATS or CAA but I would like to know before I go any further with my application as I don't want to waste NATS time if there is no chance of me passing the medical. I've sent details to CAA Medical Division at Gatwick airport but I have not had a reply yet.
Any advice would be most welcome as I would love a change of career at this point in my life. Qualifying as an ATCO is what I have my mind set on but if the rules say no, then I can say I tried.
1985 - heart valve replacement surgery to correct congenital heart murmur
1985 - cardiac pacemaker inserted as a result of above surgery (heart block)
I take warfarin & atenolol on a daily basis
I am a fit and healthy person who leads a normal active life and the only things I should avoid are things like airport scanners, big magnets & playing rugby!!
I've not been able to get a definitive decision from NATS or CAA but I would like to know before I go any further with my application as I don't want to waste NATS time if there is no chance of me passing the medical. I've sent details to CAA Medical Division at Gatwick airport but I have not had a reply yet.
Any advice would be most welcome as I would love a change of career at this point in my life. Qualifying as an ATCO is what I have my mind set on but if the rules say no, then I can say I tried.
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Peeliewally. Apart from the medical aspects, at 39 you would find ATC training gruelling and IMHO there would be a greater than 50% chance that you would not make it to validation.
However, it has happened so I wish you the very best of luck...
However, it has happened so I wish you the very best of luck...
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Thanks for your advice. I don't think being 39 stands me at any disadvantage, possibly more advantageous. I currently have a very demanding job supporting some of the most advanced technologies in the broadcasting industry. I work unsociable shifts for the worlds most respected broadcaster and I'm regularly required to work alone for hours on end with no help from anyone else. I understand completely that it is very different from Air Traffic Control and that ATC is probably one of the most stressful jobs out there. I like working under pressure and I do it every time I'm on shift. If I get the ok from CAA Medical department I will grab this opportunity with both hands and hold on very tight and I wont let go. This is probably the most helpful forum I have joined and I have utmost respect for all it's members and their opinions. Thanks again. I'll keep you posted as I await the news.....
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I agree 100% that you should give it a whirl if the medics pass you. However, it is as well to be aware of the possible problems. My views are based on training controllers over a period of some 30-odd years, both at home and abroad. For example, radar control is a skill. Some can do it; others cannot. Unfortunately, in many cases, this does not become obvious until live training commences but it is easier the younger one is.
Good luck and keep us posted..
Good luck and keep us posted..