hammerhat
Well-Known Member
I've always had elevated BP, somewhere in mid 130s to mid 80s, and on the last visit to my doc it read 142/82 and now she's suggesting I start taking beta blockers, specifically Metoprolol Succinate 25mg. She also says it's ok to hold off on the meds as this BP levels are borderline acceptable, and there's probably 5-10 points to attribute to the white coat syndrome but still she expects with age it will require managing with meds sooner or later.
Here's my questions,
1. I currently hold 1st class. If I start beta blockers, do I ground myself and report it to the AME or wait until it expires and then report on the next application?
2. If I start Metoprolol what am I looking at for my next AME visit? Is it going to be a special issuance going forward? Sending paperwork to OKC? Or just regular AME issued medical, since my current BP is still well within FAA thresholds.
3. I looked up Metoprolol and it say FAA generally OKs it but side effects may include dizziness and there's a concern about operating vehicles, machinery etc. How would one fly given that?
PS: this is all completely unexplained essential hypertension, but otherwise excellent health, regular exercise, healthy weight and BMI, good health habits, balanced diet etc.
Here's my questions,
1. I currently hold 1st class. If I start beta blockers, do I ground myself and report it to the AME or wait until it expires and then report on the next application?
2. If I start Metoprolol what am I looking at for my next AME visit? Is it going to be a special issuance going forward? Sending paperwork to OKC? Or just regular AME issued medical, since my current BP is still well within FAA thresholds.
3. I looked up Metoprolol and it say FAA generally OKs it but side effects may include dizziness and there's a concern about operating vehicles, machinery etc. How would one fly given that?
PS: this is all completely unexplained essential hypertension, but otherwise excellent health, regular exercise, healthy weight and BMI, good health habits, balanced diet etc.