Serving with High Blood Pressure?

[TG101]

Hi, I'm in a ground trade and I've now found out that I've got high blood pressure (I'm low in the HBT, but high nontheless). With Tranche 2 redundancies just around the corner I'm a bit put-off fessing up to a RAF doctor - questions:
Will I be downgraded straight away? (I'm otherwise fit and well).
Can I even stay in and deploy etc with HBT?

Hoping a medic can help me out.

Thanks All

 

[Studley dangerfcuk]

I wouldnt worry too much about it. I have had a really high blood pressure since the minute I joined up 18 yrs ago. I just have to see a blood pressure instrument and it goes through the roof. It hasnt held me back.

Studley DT_Xtremez_14:DT_Xtremez_14:

 

[Bignick]

Don't worry, high blood pressure is easy to treat, and if it isn't that high you maybe advised to get it down by lifestyle changes. Main thing is to get it seen to. It won't affect your career, but not getting it checked out could affect your health. No brainer really!

 

[TG101]

Thanks do far, still interested if anyone has got this in-service and whether they got downgraded.
I know I've got to get it seen to, its just we all know that med grade is part of the redundancy criteria, it would be annoying after all these year to go out on med!
Cheers

 

[Soon To Leave]

I was in a similar position and managed to get it down with some regular cardio exercise. I would also recommend you buy a personal blood pressure monitor and check yourself on a regular basis as blood pressure fluctuates with time, exercise, food, activity etc.

If you are overweight, try losing a few pounds and see if it makes a difference.

Above all, don't worry (as that makes it worse). I don't know of anyone being downgraded for having high blood pressure alone.

 

[Northern Monkey]

I had a high reading when having a signing on medical for 22. They had me wear a blood pressure monitor for 24 hrs and overall the reading came back ok. Have they tried this yet? I also had it on a previous visit to the med centre and it appears to be some sort of white coat syndrome which they acknowledged.

 

[ninjarabbi]

I was diagnosed with a raised BP last year and I'm now on medication for the rest of my natural. As a medic I can tell you that yes; you will initially be downgraded but don't panic. Once your BP is under control you can be upgraded at unit level to L2 with a medical marker. When it comes to signing on; Medical casework will look at your file but it shouldn't be too much of a drama. I was signed onto 55 shortly after being upgraded.

 

[ninjarabbi]

Forgot to mention that if you want to look at what the policy is on raised BP have a butchers at the AP1269A (Assessment of Medical Fitness), Section 5, Leaflet 5-02. Should be accessible under RAF Publications on the intranet.

 

[Vee2]

At least they seem to do it properly these days. When I went to a doctor at a Royal Marine base whilst on a university course in 2000 and my BP was a bit high, she put me on bloody beta blockers straight away!

 

[ukmil]

I was diagnosed with a raised BP last year and I'm now on medication for the rest of my natural. As a medic I can tell you that yes; you will initially be downgraded but don't panic. Once your BP is under control you can be upgraded at unit level to L2 with a medical marker. When it comes to signing on; Medical casework will look at your file but it shouldn't be too much of a drama. I was signed onto 55 shortly after being upgraded.

I was placed on medication 2 months ago, again for the rest of my time, but there was no mention of downgrading. I assume the Doc did not downgrade me without me knowing?

 

[ninjarabbi]

That's interesting. Did you see a civilian or Service MO? The AP is pretty categoric as to what should be done if you're diagnosed with hypertension. I'll recheck and let you know if it might be worth having another appointment.

 

[ukmil]

He is a Civilain, but is the ex SMO of this camp, so should know the rules. I have a review appointment next week so may ask the Question then, but would not really like to be downgraded if i can help it

 

[startledrabbit]

I wouldn't worry about it to be honest, as long as you are able to pass the fitness test then high blood pressure shouldn't be a Service issue. You should see go and see the MO and ensure that you are medicated enough to control your high BP (if appropriate). Your BP should be monitored on a regular basis by the Med Centre and unless there are significant complicating issues your health care with regard to your raised BP should remain under the care of them, occasionally (depending upon how severe it is) you may be referred for further specialist secondary care.

You may be surprised to hear that there are quite a few people with high blood pressure who are medicated to control their BP and most will carry on without any other complication - the most important thing nowadays is if your well and fit enough to pass the fitness test you should not have any issues.

You need to see the MO though, don't ignore your raised BP as left unchecked/maintained will cause more significant issues later on.