Let's talk about something that causes more turbulence than a mid-summer thermal: blood pressure (BP for the acronym-obsessed).

Pilots are a pretty healthy bunch. You pass your required exams, you know your limits, and you don’t have time for drama— except when the BP cuff starts inflating. Suddenly, your resting heart rate rises and— BAM— your blood pressure rises towards the dreaded FAA no-no zone (155/95).

Spoiler alert: It’s not ideal.

If you’re prone to ‘white coat hypertension, here are some tips for BP success.

1. Know Your V-Speeds: FAA BP Limits

   • The FAA BP limit is a measurement of 155/95 and below. If you’re above that, you may need a recheck, a note from your primary doc, or a log from the previous weeks to show normal pressures outside of the AME office. More on this below.

2. Pre-Flight Checklist: 5 Things to Do Before Your Exam

   • No Coffee or Energy Drinks— At least 3-4 hours before. Also, just don’t drink energy drinks. That stuff is bad for you.

   • Skip salt— The night before and morning of, avoid tacos/ramen/whatever your salty vice is.

   • Hydrate— Dehydration can falsely raise BP! Drink a couple glasses of water and your AME will thank you for not taking 2 hours to make a urine sample.

   • Arrive early, and sit for 5-10 minutes— Allow your heart rate to descend to cruising speeds.

   • Breathe. Seriously. — Think happy thoughts. Avoid checking your stocks and talking to your children.

3. Seat and Positioning: The Secret Sauce

   • Sit upright with your back supported

   • Feet flat on the ground

   • Arm at heart level, resting on a surface

   • Don’t talk during the reading

4. Bonus tip: Ask for another reading if the first one feels off :)

Here’s what to do if you think you may have a formal diagnosis of chronic hypertension: 

• Make an appointment with your primary. Get a home monitor and check your pressures 3-4 times per week for about 2 weeks. If your blood pressure is more than 140/90 consistently, consider lifestyle changes (decrease salt intake, increase cardio workouts, lose weight, reduce stress) and talk to your primary about possibly starting a medication.

For the AME office, you can get certified the same day with high blood pressure if:

• You’ve been on 2 or fewer meds for at least 7 days without complications

• You bring a log of your blood pressures to indicate stability or a note from your primary doctor. Easy!

The Final Approach

At the end of the day, time is a cruel master. Diagnoses of high blood pressure are more likely as we age (thanks a lot, Taco Bell). The good news? It’s actually not that big of a deal for the FAA.

With a little prep, passing your FAA medical is simple- and, great news, kicking blood pressure elevations to the curb can optimize your health for years to come.

And hey— if you ever need a recheck, a consult, or just someone to check your form— we’ve got you.

Smooth skies and steady pulses,

— HIMS AME of Houston

Disclaimer

This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for consulting with your healthcare provider for case-specific assessment. Always seek the advice of your physician for any concerns or questions regarding medical conditions. Following the suggestions in this post does not guarantee a specific medical outcome or certification outcome.