First Class Medical Blood Pressure Limits
 

Hello All,

I am graduating college in the next few months and will be attempting to get my first class medical before I begin the rest of my flight training. I have a couple questions regarding the BP limits. My blood pressure is somewhat elevated as it runs in the family. It averages 130/75 on my home monitor (rarely ever above 150/80).

I see the limit is 155/95, my BP is nearly never at this level and my physician has said to continue to monitor it but he does not want to prescribe medication at this point. My question is, if for whatever reason when I go to the AME it is at the limit what is the process of being certified? Will it be a long process to be issued a first class if the BP is elevated? On the FAA's website they say "Recheck the blood pressure. If the airman meets FAA specified limits on the second attempt, note this in Block 60 along with both readings." Does this mean if I am within this range on the second reading I will be issued a first class? Thank you for your time and help!

If it tests below the limit on the second attempt, you should be issued the first class. Take a few extra precautions to help yourself out, like no coffee, don't be running late to your appointment, etc. The limit is set pretty high and you are only the slightly elevated range so I wouldn't be too concerned.

Based on your average reading you should be just fine. There is a lot of information on line (eg. leftseat.com, Dr. Mercola, youtube) regarding keeping your readings low, especially what to do before your physical (no caffeine etc).

Most AME's don't jump at the first reading as it can be a bit high because of anxiety. The machines also read values that may differ from the AME's as they usually use the manual one.

Make sure you are well rested, and relax for at least 10 mins at the AME office before your reading. Relax your arm and take deep breaths.

If you don't do so, exercise (walk, swim) few times a week.

Avoid medication if you can help it. They usually always have side-effects. But in the end, FAA has lot's of Class I medicals issued with high BP controlled by medicines.

Eat a stalk of celery every day. It lowers BP.

All good advice.

Plus, for some strange reason, my pressure has always read higher with the little automatic machines than when taken by hand. I have no idea why, but it really does.

It's not uncommon. I tend to have the same issue. When the nurse takes it with the automatic machine it tends to be a few points higher than when the Dr. does so manually. The FAA limit is 155/95 and so if you are at that borderline or slightly over it makes a difference.