Military Aircrew and Heart Murmur
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ECG
Afternoon all,
Well - I've just come back from my ECG with not the best news - however awaiting a call from the Doc ref my results.
An abnormality was found, but what it is, is still very much a guessing game, my heart rate was around 96-100 (due to anxiety).
So, presuming next stage will be to have an Echo and to visit the Cardio chap!
Best regards,
NDW
Well - I've just come back from my ECG with not the best news - however awaiting a call from the Doc ref my results.
An abnormality was found, but what it is, is still very much a guessing game, my heart rate was around 96-100 (due to anxiety).
So, presuming next stage will be to have an Echo and to visit the Cardio chap!
Best regards,
NDW
I think you've seriously got to chill about this. Again, many aircrew have to have their ECG's referred to the cardiologist because the ECG picks up "abnormalities". As an example, see how athletes heart can give ECG's that show AV or right bundle branch block.
I was surprised you were told that an ECG would provide you more information on the murmur as I'm pretty sure you'd need an echo signed off by a cardiologist to get the definitive answer anyway.
The answer is to get yourself a cardiologist appointment - either wait for the NHS or pay the money for private.
I was surprised you were told that an ECG would provide you more information on the murmur as I'm pretty sure you'd need an echo signed off by a cardiologist to get the definitive answer anyway.
The answer is to get yourself a cardiologist appointment - either wait for the NHS or pay the money for private.
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This is only loosely relevant, because it concerns pilots having minor medical complaints, not medical problems picked-up in a medical inspection.
My father, an RAF pilot in the 1930s to 1960s, always advised his fellow pilots to avoid going to the MO over minor medical complaints. He belly-landed a Vampire and a few months later went to the MO complaining of stomach pain when flying at altitude. The medics suspected an ulcer and did all possible checks, but came up with no explanation for his pain. The incident caused him to be medically down-graded, resulting in him being barred from flying overseas.
He subsequently received a tip-off from a WAAF he knew at the MoD that when it his name came up at promotion boards, he would be passed-over, the question being voiced 'Is he better yet?' I think there may have been some suspicion that he was funking it, having possibly 'lost his nerve' after his Vampire forced landing. Eventually he managed to persuade the medics to restore his medical grading, on the grounds that the pains no longer troubled him and concern about his frozen promotion was doing him no good at all. However, although he got his bill of health, the damage had by then been done... he was no longer in the promotional 'A' stream.
Thus his advice was to steer clear of the MO and go private for minor medical problems. With modern medical knowledge, it seems likely that his stomach pains were probably due to a gut-bloating bug like H-pylori, but of course, this was unheard-of in those days. He retired as a Wg Cdr, but cites this incident as being one of several factors that held him back from gaining higher promotion.
My father, an RAF pilot in the 1930s to 1960s, always advised his fellow pilots to avoid going to the MO over minor medical complaints. He belly-landed a Vampire and a few months later went to the MO complaining of stomach pain when flying at altitude. The medics suspected an ulcer and did all possible checks, but came up with no explanation for his pain. The incident caused him to be medically down-graded, resulting in him being barred from flying overseas.
He subsequently received a tip-off from a WAAF he knew at the MoD that when it his name came up at promotion boards, he would be passed-over, the question being voiced 'Is he better yet?' I think there may have been some suspicion that he was funking it, having possibly 'lost his nerve' after his Vampire forced landing. Eventually he managed to persuade the medics to restore his medical grading, on the grounds that the pains no longer troubled him and concern about his frozen promotion was doing him no good at all. However, although he got his bill of health, the damage had by then been done... he was no longer in the promotional 'A' stream.
Thus his advice was to steer clear of the MO and go private for minor medical problems. With modern medical knowledge, it seems likely that his stomach pains were probably due to a gut-bloating bug like H-pylori, but of course, this was unheard-of in those days. He retired as a Wg Cdr, but cites this incident as being one of several factors that held him back from gaining higher promotion.
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Heart Thinhies
I am not sure my experience helps the topic starter but it might benefit other readers
Some years ago while still gainfully employed driving Boeings for BMI Baby my medical ECG was assessed by the auto function as "left side something". Not to worry says AMO. A week or so later get a letter from CAA saying go and see special heart man for stress ECG after treadmill, by the way don't forget to pay. Go to see heart man, walk on treadmill for twice required time crawl off knackered. Heart man sends CAA letter saying stop wasting my time can't you see I'm busy. Then asks me is there a fridge in the room you had your ECG, yes says I. Did it start or stop during the reading dunno says I. End of conversation. Letter from CAA saying no problem. Ring heart man why do I have to pay lots of loot if there was never a problem, don't go there sonny says he, end of exercise.
Some years ago while still gainfully employed driving Boeings for BMI Baby my medical ECG was assessed by the auto function as "left side something". Not to worry says AMO. A week or so later get a letter from CAA saying go and see special heart man for stress ECG after treadmill, by the way don't forget to pay. Go to see heart man, walk on treadmill for twice required time crawl off knackered. Heart man sends CAA letter saying stop wasting my time can't you see I'm busy. Then asks me is there a fridge in the room you had your ECG, yes says I. Did it start or stop during the reading dunno says I. End of conversation. Letter from CAA saying no problem. Ring heart man why do I have to pay lots of loot if there was never a problem, don't go there sonny says he, end of exercise.
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Similar tale for me at Wildenrath in the 80s. Called back post ECG for further tests, as "anomalies" were observed. Discovered by medic that ECG gadget had been placed on a radiator in the exam room, thus picking up all sorts of vibs from the station boiler house.....
Gentleman Aviator
Remember when they started doing them at a Secret Hampshire Helicopter Base.
Several aircrew were grounded as their ECGs coincided with a truck passing the Medical Centre!
Several aircrew were grounded as their ECGs coincided with a truck passing the Medical Centre!
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Good afternoon all,
Update;
I had a call back today reference my ECG that I had on Tuesday afternoon.
The ECG showed good results, the GP thinks that it may be the top of my heart or a valve of some sort that is pumping quicker than others (probably due to my anxiety when it comes to Medicals etc) and would probably confirm the whooshing sound that was heard at my AFCO medical.
Awaiting a letter from the Cardiologist for the next step.
Best regards.
Update;
I had a call back today reference my ECG that I had on Tuesday afternoon.
The ECG showed good results, the GP thinks that it may be the top of my heart or a valve of some sort that is pumping quicker than others (probably due to my anxiety when it comes to Medicals etc) and would probably confirm the whooshing sound that was heard at my AFCO medical.
Awaiting a letter from the Cardiologist for the next step.
Best regards.
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Good afternoon all;
Finally, some progress.
Cardiology appointment booked for 1st Aug (the earliest they can fit me in) and had an email from the AFCO ref FATS at Cranwell and I can still attend sit FATS whilst waiting for my Medical clearance. At least things are moving in a slow, but positive motion.
Finally, some progress.
Cardiology appointment booked for 1st Aug (the earliest they can fit me in) and had an email from the AFCO ref FATS at Cranwell and I can still attend sit FATS whilst waiting for my Medical clearance. At least things are moving in a slow, but positive motion.
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Out of interest. I had a heart murmur picked up on application/selection in 2000/2001.
Had an ultrasound, was diagnosed with a left/right ventricular (I know one is bad, the other is fine). No issues joining up in the end, just a 3 month delay due to the extra testing.
Hit my 15 year point at the end of June...
Had an ultrasound, was diagnosed with a left/right ventricular (I know one is bad, the other is fine). No issues joining up in the end, just a 3 month delay due to the extra testing.
Hit my 15 year point at the end of June...
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Getsometimein, thanks for your reply.
This has filled me with some confidence and glad it never held you back.
Best regards.
This has filled me with some confidence and glad it never held you back.
Best regards.
Out of interest. I had a heart murmur picked up on application/selection in 2000/2001.
Had an ultrasound, was diagnosed with a left/right ventricular (I know one is bad, the other is fine). No issues joining up in the end, just a 3 month delay due to the extra testing.
Hit my 15 year point at the end of June...
Had an ultrasound, was diagnosed with a left/right ventricular (I know one is bad, the other is fine). No issues joining up in the end, just a 3 month delay due to the extra testing.
Hit my 15 year point at the end of June...
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Hi
I was diagnosed with a heart murmur in 1969 at Biggin Hill, since then I have had over 40 years of flying including flying with 3 major airlines with no problems. The murmur was caused by my Mitral valve and it presented as the "Click, Click Syndrome". In all my time flying I had no problem.
Good Luck.
I was diagnosed with a heart murmur in 1969 at Biggin Hill, since then I have had over 40 years of flying including flying with 3 major airlines with no problems. The murmur was caused by my Mitral valve and it presented as the "Click, Click Syndrome". In all my time flying I had no problem.
Good Luck.
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When I did my medical for my PPL aged 60 the ECG picked up an anomaly. The guys reaction was "I've never seen one like that before!" Anyway I was sent to a cardiologist and had the lot, echocardiogram etc and he found nothing. In the end the chap just said "it's just a funny ECG -it happens"
Anyway, passed my medical, and my heart is still ticking away ok 9 years later
Anyway, passed my medical, and my heart is still ticking away ok 9 years later
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Good afternoon all (and it's a very good afternoon)!
Back from my visit to the see the Cardiologist and having had another ECG and the Echo - I've got a good healthy heart. They believe I may have a flow murmur - but she said from her POV - it's nothing to worry about and she shouldn't have to see me ever again.
Next step to is compile all the info and head back to my AME to hopefully pass as 'Fit'.
Thank you all for your encouraging words and I'm just so glad to now (hopefully) be back on track.
Best regards,
Nathan
Back from my visit to the see the Cardiologist and having had another ECG and the Echo - I've got a good healthy heart. They believe I may have a flow murmur - but she said from her POV - it's nothing to worry about and she shouldn't have to see me ever again.
Next step to is compile all the info and head back to my AME to hopefully pass as 'Fit'.
Thank you all for your encouraging words and I'm just so glad to now (hopefully) be back on track.
Best regards,
Nathan
