Answers for Pilots

Controlling your blood pressure

Nearly one-third of the adult population in the United States has high blood pressure (properly called hypertension) according to the American Heart Association, and, amazingly, more than half of those afflicted are doing nothing to control it. For pilots, keeping blood pressure controlled is essential in order to qualify for medical certificates. Current Federal Aviation Regulations do not impose blood pressure limits for any class of medical certificate; however, the FAA has established a policy by which persons with controlled blood pressure may be certified at any class of medical.

For medical certification purposes, the FAA considers blood pressure controlled when the average sitting blood pressure does not exceed 155mm mercury systolic and 95mm mercury diastolic with or without medication. If you need medication to keep your blood pressure within acceptable limits, rest easy knowing that the FAA currently allows most FDA-approved anti-hypertension agents, including diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blocking agents, direct vasodilators, or combinations of these agents.

So, how do you prepare for your FAA medical exam if your previously normal blood pressure has risen above the allowable limits since the last time you saw your aviation medical examiner (AME), and your doctor has put you on one of the allowed medications to keep it down?

You'll need to bring the aviation medical examiner a current cardiovascular evaluation that includes:

• A report from your treating doctor that should include pertinent personal and family history, an assessment of risk factors for coronary heart disease; a clinical examination that includes at least three blood pressure readings; a summary of medications and dosages; and statements regarding any side effects.
• The AME can then complete the Hypertension Worksheet in his office at the time of your aviation medical exam.
• If you don't have the report from your treating physician, the examiner can hold the application for up to 10 working days to allow you to get the information to complete the evaluation. Otherwise, the application will be deferred to the FAA without the reports, and it could take three months or longer before your medical certificate is issued. So, it's in your best interest to show up at the AME's office with all of the paperwork in hand.

For more information, contact the AOPA Pilot Information Center Medical Certification department, 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672).

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