Medical question (BP)

[flyingpickle]

Hello,
I am 33 and just renewed my Class 1 medical and when I was at the doctor’s my BP went up along with heart rate,
It was something like 150/90 by 95. My normal BP is 120/80 and heart rate usually 60-80, I am in good shape and exercise regularly… Medical examiner didn’t say a word just did my ECG and passed me…
Every time I go to the doctor’s office I get nervous and get this “White coat syndrome”
Just curious if anybody else have this and if this will be a problem later in my career when I use different medical examiners…

[172]

I'm a CPL with mifr and haven't had any issues keeping my class 1 medical - however I have had pretty bad white coat syndrome in the past. My advice is to buy your own blood pressure machine and take it regularly. A week before your medical, start recording it three times a day and bring the numbers into your AME.

Off of TC's website:

1.8 The systolic and diastolic blood pressure shall be within normal limits. NOTE: The use of drugs for control of high blood pressure is disqualifying except for those drugs, the use of which according to accredited medical conclusion, can be adequately tolerated by the applicant, are compatible with the safe performance of duties and can be closely monitored by the aviation medical examiner or a physician in communication with the Civil Aviation Medicine Division Medical Staff.
(2) When initiating a new treatment for hypertension, the applicant shall not exercise the privileges of the licence until the new medication is well tolerated.

[MrWings]

I get that too. The doc I see says it is common.

I wouldn't go the trouble of getting a BP machine. If he doesn't have a problem with it then no need for you to worry about it.

I think the CAMEs looks at your general heath when interpreting the BP and heart rate. If you are severely overweight, a smoker, etc. they might scrutinize the results a bit closer. But if you are in good shape they caulk it up to white coat syndrome.

[rigpiggy]

Buddy of mine had a similar issue doctor gave him a recording sphygmometer? He had to put it on 4/day for 3 days. doctor downloaded the results and signed him off

[ajet32]

White coat syndrome is very common. i had a minor medical problem that required a hospital visit. The doc there said even he gets it when he is being checked.
If it is a real problem get the doc to check it again after your all done. chances it will be normal then.

[Grantmac]

I have white-coat pretty bad, enough to gain me 20 points pretty quickly if I start thinking too hard. I'm 29 and I do regular cardio and other fitness, my resting HR is 55-65. Part of my BP issue is simply genetics, people from northern cultures are pre-disposed towards high BP due to body composition (long torso).
I've done some research into temporarily lowering blood pressure, although some of the recommendations make good longterm changes:
Drink at least the recommended daily intake of water for 48 hrs before.
Limit/eliminate caffee.
Limit salt intake for 48 hrs.
Go for 5-10 minute walk 15-20 minutes before getting BP checked.
Do deep diaphragm breathing for 5 minutes before having BP check and continue during check. This will cause a slight increase in HR, that isn't an issue. Actually slightly high HR is a good indication that BP is going down due to reduced backpressure.
I've also had some non-verifiable success with garlic and vitamin C/D.

-Grant