Rugbyyears, I'm going to give you the best advice you are going to get about this.

Put your machine on e-bay, and attens for a series of readings (say 4 or 5) over the next 2 months.

I’ve only just returned from a Lloyds Pharmacy BP test – The pharmacist, a very amicable chap recorded this reading (137/93) pulse 87.

He said nothing at all wrong, my heart is indeed A1. I acknowledged that the Heart was ok, but was BP reading that I was concerned over. He said it is simply a case of me becoming anxious, the high pulse rate would explain this. He suggested that I stop reading my BP at home, as it will gradually reduce when I’m not anxious. I queried whether I should attend my GP for a check, he advised me not to!

So I am a now a lot more relaxed! He suggested there is a term describing this scenario ‘White Coat’

He further advised me to continue working out and eat healthy, and not to worry!!! Once or if, an individual develops high BP, it does not necessarily indicate that they will have it for life!

So much more happier now that I have been reassured.:)

Question re pills?
 

Are there any preferred drugs for the treatment of high pressure that are acceptable to AMEs / CAA? Or doesn't it matter, are they all same? I would guess that it depends on how high/low the pressure is and other factors!

You can also do a nice workout 24 hours before the medical.

Some weights or a good hour sweatfest on the exercise bike works wonders in lowering the BP.

Works for me anyway :cool:

BP treatment doesn't seem to be an issue for the CAA. I expect they would be more concerned if your bp was uncontrolled, rather than you recieving treatment.

Previous experience on here suggests that most options of treatment are acceptable, but check with the medical dept- your quack will have some degree of choice of treatments.

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.

A quick question???
 

Hey guy's. Can someone please tell me, if you have elevated BP and you go onto medication, how long does it take to bring it down to acceptable levels??days??weeks??Months??
Any feedback would be great on this one:ok:

About a month I would say.