Hypertension Information

INFORMATION: More information for hypertension patients…

Hints for your FAA Medical Exam and Keeping your Pilot Certificate

Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is a common condition that can require your medical examiner to defer or deny your certificate. Well controlled hypertension with proper documentation is not a cause for problems. If your hypertension is new and has not been previously reported to the FAA, you will need to bring in documentation from your treating physician which must include a letter documenting your pertinent personal and family medical history, including an assessment of the risk factors for coronary artery disease, a clinical examination including at least 3 blood pressure readings, a resting electrocardiogram, and a report of fasting plasma glucose, cholesterol levels (LDL and HDL), triglycerides, potassium, and creatinine levels. Specific mention must be made to the medications used, their dosage, and the presence, absence, or history of adverse affects. Check and make sure the letter contains all of this information, or it may not be sufficient.

If you have previously reported your hypertension to the FAA and have provided the above information on a previous physical, on each subsequent exam you must bring in a letter from your treating physician giving a current status report describing at least the medications used and their dosages and the adequacy of blood pressure control, the absence or presence of side effects, the presence or absence of end organ complications, and the results of any appropriate tests or studies. Hypertension follow-ups are required annually for first and second class medical certificate applicants and at the time of renewal for third class certificate applicants.