Are these disqualifying?

[Stubby]

Atrial fibrillation? (Increasingly common as we age)
Warfarin sodium? (Anticoagulant)
Atenolol (a beta-blocker)

[Mortimer Schnerd, RN]

Stubby wrote:
> Atrial fibrillation? (Increasingly common as we age)
> Warfarin sodium? (Anticoagulant)
> Atenolol (a beta-blocker)


I'm not 100% sure about atrial fibrillation but I believe that unless it is
severe and symptomatic, it is not disqualifying. Bouth Coumadin (wayfarin) and
Tenormin (atenolol) are specifically allowed.


From Part 67.211 (you will find 67.311 for a 3rd class certificate is
identical):
Cardiovascular standards for a second-class medical certificate are no
established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:

(a) Myocardial infarction;

(b) Angina pectoris;

(c) Coronary heart disease that has required treatment or, if untreated, that
has been symptomatic or clinically significant;

(d) Cardiac valve replacement;

(e) Permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation; or

(f) Heart replacement.



Standards for a first class medical are more limiting and a snake pit you'd be
wise to avoid.




--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN

[Stubby]

Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote:
> Stubby wrote:
>> Atrial fibrillation? (Increasingly common as we age)
>> Warfarin sodium? (Anticoagulant)
>> Atenolol (a beta-blocker)
>
>
> I'm not 100% sure about atrial fibrillation but I believe that unless it is
> severe and symptomatic, it is not disqualifying. Bouth Coumadin (wayfarin) and
> Tenormin (atenolol) are specifically allowed.
>
>
> From Part 67.211 (you will find 67.311 for a 3rd class certificate is
> identical):
> Cardiovascular standards for a second-class medical certificate are no
> established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:
>
> (a) Myocardial infarction;
>
> (b) Angina pectoris;
>
> (c) Coronary heart disease that has required treatment or, if untreated, that
> has been symptomatic or clinically significant;
>
> (d) Cardiac valve replacement;
>
> (e) Permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation; or
>
> (f) Heart replacement.
>
>
>
> Standards for a first class medical are more limiting and a snake pit you'd be
> wise to avoid.

I only need to keep my 3rd class certificate. I don't have any of the
symptoms you listed. However, the big risk of fibrillation is stroke
because blood pools in the heart and forms a clot which can be released
and lodge in the brain. I believe that would affect my flying and would
be surprised if the FAA did come to the same conclusion. After a
echocardiogram, I'll have a chat with my AME. Thanks for your help.

[Mortimer Schnerd, RN]

Stubby wrote:
> I only need to keep my 3rd class certificate. I don't have any of the
> symptoms you listed. However, the big risk of fibrillation is stroke
> because blood pools in the heart and forms a clot which can be released
> and lodge in the brain.


That's why you're taking Coumadin.


> I believe that would affect my flying and would
> be surprised if the FAA did come to the same conclusion. After a
> echocardiogram, I'll have a chat with my AME. Thanks for your help.


Yes, a stroke would definitely affect your flying. If you have one you probably
would want to see a doctor. <G>



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN