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Blood pressure

Old 12-07-2017, 12:21 AM
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Default Blood pressure

Anyone have any tricks on lowering BP weeks before your medical
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Old 12-07-2017, 06:04 AM
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If you are trending hypertensive, see an experienced cardiologist, one recommended by a trusted AME if possible. There are so many Class 1 approved treatment options now. Living with high BP may kill you, or worse.
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Old 12-07-2017, 06:28 AM
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All the obvious lifestyle hacks, diet, exercise, reduce stress. If that doesn't work, you need medical help.

If you're at risk of failing an FAA medical on BP, your BP is already waaaaaayy too high!
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Old 12-07-2017, 07:25 AM
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You really don't need to see a cardiologist for simple HTN.

Your family practice physician is well-versed in treating high blood pressure.

As stated above, if you are near the FAA limits (155/95) then your BP is way too high.

Get on medication if that is what your doctor recommends.

You can lose weight, exercise more, eat better, and try breathing relaxation techniques.

You do not want to put yourself at higher risk of stroke by having untreated HTN.
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Old 12-07-2017, 07:58 AM
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Avoid coffee 24-48 hrs before your medical as it may increase your BP. Diet and exercise with weight in check as a long term solution. There are several yoga type(search you tube) breathing exercises you can do that seem to work. When you get to the facility try to have 5-10 minutes of quiet time before the reading is taken. If all else fails and you need medication then the FAA is pretty good about certifying you while on it without much fuss. Bottom line, even a 5-10 lb weight loss (if overweight) can make all the difference. Oh, also hydrate.
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Old 12-07-2017, 11:03 AM
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They (Aeromedical) will need an evaluation statement if meds are prescribed. Further testing may be required in certain cases. The more familiar whoever you see is with the process, the better.
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Old 12-08-2017, 08:46 AM
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I echo what others have said about diet, exercise etc. But some people (like me) cant control it with lifestyle changes no matter how good they are about it. Some people just need meds to control their BP.

In the large majority of situations, your family doctor can take care of your BP. AOPA has some good information on hypertension:

https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-...m/hypertension

If it can be controlled with an acceptable med, it is a real easy process.
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Old 12-09-2017, 06:52 AM
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4 sticks of Celery every day. After about a week my blood pressure came down and is now perfect.
Worked for my husband as well.
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Old 12-09-2017, 09:07 AM
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I think you should try known natural remedies before going with BP Meds. Those meds, while providing a quick fix, do have long term negative results. One of those is a significant increase in cancer risk.

Cut the salt out of your diet as best as you can at least a week before the medical. Also eating known BP reducers like beets, celery, turmeric will help. There is a great drink mix that I like from Humann called Superbeets. It will drop your BP at least 10 points and help you keep it lowered. It seems like most AMEs use that automatic BP machine now, and that does show a higher BP than the old manual one.
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Old 12-09-2017, 10:20 AM
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Health comes first.

Flying comes later.

I agree with trying natural blood pressure reducers.

Change diet, cutting sugar and caffeine and add exercise. If that is not enough then think pills.

Think juicer, change evening meal to juice or smoothies.

Lose weight.

Health comes before flying.
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