About Us | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Search
By Location
Exam Info | Online Scheduling Info | Find AME | Pilot FAQs | Sport Pilots | Part 67 Medical Standards | Blood Pressure | Part 61 Flight Certification |DUI | Waivers
How Site Works | Online Scheduling | Update my Page | Links | Prices | Email | Pay Bill | AME FAQs | Trade Equipment | AME Guide
Pilot FAQs | AME FAQs | FAQ's By Medical Problem | Sport Pilot | Blood Pressure | Scheduling | Contact Us
Exam Info | Synopsis of Standards |CFR Part 67 | Exam Classes | Class 1 Requirements | Class 2 | Class 3 | Problem List | Waivers | Blood Pressure
subglobal6 link | subglobal6 link | subglobal6 link | subglobal6 link | subglobal6 link | subglobal6 link | subglobal6 link
subglobal7 link | subglobal7 link | subglobal7 link | subglobal7 link | subglobal7 link | subglobal7 link | subglobal7 link
subglobal8 link | subglobal8 link | subglobal8 link | subglobal8 link | subglobal8 link | subglobal8 link | subglobal8 link

Hypertension - Introduction

High Blood Pressure

flightphysical.com logo

FAA Disease Protocols-Hypertension

Elevated Systolic or Diastolic Blood Pressure

BP Cuff

Cardiac Section Heart Conditions
General Problem List
Part 67 Index
Go Find an AME
Pilot Home

FlightPhysical.com will discuss Hypertension in sections. This parallels the FAA's instructions to AMEs concerning this common and serious problem.

Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is a common condition where the pressure of the blood flowing through the arteries of the body is higher than it should be. Pilots and controllers are often affected whether or not they have the classic "type A" personality. Much like the pressure of the air in a tire, if the pressure of the blood is too high it can damage the arteries and organs of the body. Just like the tire, if the pressure suddenly becomes very high, catastrophic events can happen. Similarly, if the pressure remains somewhat elevated for a long enough period of time, premature wear and failure can occur.

Hypertension has its worst effects on the heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, hemorrhages of the retina of the eye, and generalized atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries all over the body).

It is easy to understand, then, why we are concerned about pilots who have high blood pressure. We don’t like to see aviators flying when they are at increased risk for these conditions. Fortunately, hypertension is easy to treat. For many people, simply achieving an appropriate weight, exercising regularly, and watching dietary salt will control their mild hypertension. Other individuals may be required to take medications to reduce their blood pressure. Either way, hypertension and its treatment should have little effect on one’s ability to be medically certified to fly.

As you research hypertensin in aviators, you will want to review Measurement of Hypertension during the Pilot Exam

Click on links for the procedures for specific FAA instructions on initial reporting, medication discussion and followup procedures:

List of Medical Problems
Pilot Home
General Waiver Page
AME Locator
Medical Standards Index

FlightPhysical.com listed in AVIATION TOP 100 - www.avitop.com Avitop.com About Us | Terms | Privacy | Contact Us | ©1999-2013 FlightPhysical.com | Last Major Revision Aug 7, 2013