FAA Medical Standards / Blood Pressure

Pilots with a diagnosis of hypertension or those on medication to control blood pressure must provide a detailed cardiovascular evaluation for FAA consideration. While aviation medical examiners may defer lower values, the FAA disqualifies pilots with a systolic (higher number) blood pressure at or above 155 or a diastolic (lower number) pressure at or above 95.

Blood Pressure	Optimal	Normal	High Normal	Hypertension	FAA Limit
Systolic (top #)	<120	<130	130-139	140 or higher	155 or higher
Diastolic	< 80	< 85	85-90	90 or higher	95 or higher

If your blood pressure is elevated, speak with your physician about how to reduce your blood pressure. It may be possible to reduce your blood pressure by limiting the sodium (salt) in your diet, losing weight if overweight, taking medication, limiting your alcohol intake and/or increasing your physical activity. Although reducing your blood pressure by lifestyle modification is preferred, it may be best to utilize medication initially to reduce the risk for arterial damage and stroke. Eventually exercise and diet may permit you to discontinue the medication. FAA Certification - FAA approved medications for hypertension