Heart Murmur - new development
 

Went to my family Dr. / AME.

Have been out of flying for years and wanted to get back in, so I got a normal average Joe physical before going for the official FAA 1st class.

Dr. noted a heart murmur which was never there before.

I had gone to a Cardiologist a year earlier for mild chest pain, Cardiologist ran nuclear stress tests and echo and sonogram... All clear but Cardiologist made no mention of the heart murmur. A second Dr. also noted the heart murmur.

I've made some big lifestyle changes, no more alcohol, eating clean, cut down on coffee, and doing 3 miles 3 times a week.

So before I go for an FAA physical, I'd like to talk to a Cardiologist who understands the FAA aviation physical. To be clear, I have not ever been grounded and I did not start an FAA physical when my family Dr. / AME noted the new heart murmur, he was performing an annual non aviation physical.

Is AOPA a good source to go to for advice? I believe the technical term is mitral valve prolapse, basically years of hard living has thickened the heart muscle and caused the mitral valve to stick open and click thus allowing blood to back flow causing heart to pump harder to get blood flow to the body.

A Cardiologist recommended L-Carnitine, Co-Q10, Magnesium, D-Ribose, Hylauronic Acid and Omega 3 oil every day and exercise; which has made a world of difference, now I'd like to not fumble this with a self disclosure that causes me to get grounded. I won't lie on a medical exam, but I'd prefer to have a clean bill of health and my AMEs/family Dr's findings an aberration that need never come up if a new AME and a cardiologist clear me. I get there is a right way and a wrong way to answer questions.


Thanks for any advice/experience.

The FAA is very progressive with regards to heart issues. They are mostly concerned about conditions which can lead to sudden incapacitation.

Also MVP is a very frequently mis-diagnosed condition.

My suggestion would be to talk to AOPA medical, get a full cardio workup, then work with an AME who knows the info you need before hand. Have the package ready to go with everything you need and expect a few weeks for an FAA decision. At worst you will likely operate under special issuance. At best, FAA will clear you unrestricted once they review your paperwork.

In the meantime, be careful with supplements. Magnesium is good, but too much throws out the balance with the other electrolytes which can cause issues.

leftseat.com is another resource you might find useful.

I now fly on a special issuance because of a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnosis. My challenge was proving I was healthy because the condition was misdiagnosed. That process took close to 18 months.

Good luck!

I’m not sure where you are located but Dr Raniolo in Phoenix is an AME and cardiologist. He might be a good resource as well, very pilot friendly AME.

FAA Flight Physical | Arizona AME | Special Issuance | FAA Cardiologist | FAA Medical | FAA Medical Exam | FAA Special Issuance | Aerospace Cardiology

As a recent recipient of a heart attack, health is more important than flying.

Don't know your age but do not cut back on coffee, instead eliminate all caffeine and sugar. Good on changing diet and getting exercise.

My cardiologist recommended taking Omega-3 fish oil.

As whisperjet suggest, talk to AOPA medical, get a full cardio workup, then work with an AME who knows the info you need before hand. Have the package ready to go with everything you need.

Consult first with your AME and be sure that you will pass the medical before turning anything in to the FAA.

Good luck to you.

Cardiologist
 

Greetings,

I have done the 1st Class physical, the AME cleared me in every category except.. the heart murmur I have. It has never been a problem, i lift weights, bike, and row 4-5 days a week. The FAA wants 2 further tests, from a cardiologist. I am in Hershey,Pa. anyone have any suggestions on what cardiologist to use for these.. being that I am very fit and my AME put notes in my file for how fit I am. I am concerned that a new cardiologist ( mine has retired) won’t be favorable and give me the thumbs up. Also, anyone have any experience in this regard before?

-Gary

Be very careful with supplements. CO-Q10 can cause Insomnia in some peeps and headaches.. Not good!

Your level of fitness activity may be the catalyst for the murmur..

Hershey Penn state should have a decent cardiology department. If not, Georgetown University or John Hopkins should be able to help you out.

This. Fish oil / omega 3 can definitely cause heat rhythm issues.

I would seriously drop all the supplements for a while (but talk to your doc first). If you eat right and live healthy, you probably don't need supplements or vitamins.