Medical question

[jhighland]

Thanks to everyone for your help on my previous post. I talked to a couple local guys who said the thing ten years ago is a non issue. However I have a new concern.

Yesterday I went to take my medical exam for self-sponsor. For this academy they require a copy of a recent EKG. My EKG came back showing something called a right bundle branch block. Of course I was concerned. However, my personal physician said a significant number of guys my age show this on EKG's (I'm 28) and that it has zero effect on my health. I had a heart condition when I was born and had it repaired when I was 3 by the then leading pediatric hospital in the US. The doctor said this type of repair can cause my EKG to show this branch block but I am actually 100%. To be safe I emailed the heart doc I had back in the day and she wrote me a formal letter saying none of my previous cardiac history has or potentially would have any limiting physical effect for me and that I am 100% healthy due tithe successful surgery. I work out every day, play on a mens tennis team and referee competitive soccer; I am a physically fit and an active person. I am more worried about this when I apply to agencies than academy admittance. Would I be able to offset the result with a letter from a respected specialist saying I'm fine?

[Iowa #1603]

Thanks to everyone for your help on my previous post. I talked to a couple local guys who said the thing ten years ago is a non issue. However I have a new concern.

Yesterday I went to take my medical exam for self-sponsor. For this academy they require a copy of a recent EKG. My EKG came back showing something called a right bundle branch block. Of course I was concerned. However, my personal physician said a significant number of guys my age show this on EKG's (I'm 28) and that it has zero effect on my health. I had a heart condition when I was born and had it repaired when I was 3 by the then leading pediatric hospital in the US. The doctor said this type of repair can cause my EKG to show this branch block but I am actually 100%. To be safe I emailed the heart doc I had back in the day and she wrote me a formal letter saying none of my previous cardiac history has or potentially would have any limiting physical effect for me and that I am 100% healthy due tithe successful surgery. I work out every day, play on a mens tennis team and referee competitive soccer; I am a physically fit and an active person. I am more worried about this when I apply to agencies than academy admittance. Would I be able to offset the result with a letter from a respected specialist saying I'm fine?

You could have Christian Bernard write the letter and it won't make a bit of difference.

The decision on your health related situation will be made by the physician who is charged with medically clearing applicants .



All of that aside, if your doctor clears you and is cognizant of the duties of a police officer his/her opinion will be considered.

[Amigo1342]

I can't speak for the medical personnel that work for/with your agency, but I would imagine if they received a letter from a credited doctor stating you are medically clear, it might weigh in somewhere. There really are only 3 options.
1. The letter is sufficient and you will be cleared to go through with your training.
2. They send you to their own doctor/specialist for further examination.
3. They deny you over the EKG.
Unfortunately, there are not many more options that could logically be considered. At this point it is out of your hands. Best of luck to you and I hope it works out.

[L-1]

As Iowa said, it's not up to your doctor, it is up to the employing agency's physician as he interprets your condition in relation to their medical standards.

Off hand, you should probably be ok. Take a look at http://lib.post.ca.gov/Publications/Cardio.pdf

While these are California's cardio rules, the principles behind them do not stop at the state line and you will find that most agencies throughout the US follow similar standards. If you read deep into them, you will see that your condition is an acceptable one provided you demonstrate no other related symptoms.

[jhighland]

As Iowa said, it's not up to your doctor, it is up to the employing agency's physician as he interprets your condition in relation to their medical standards.

Off hand, you should probably be ok. Take a look at http://lib.post.ca.gov/Publications/Cardio.pdf


While these are California's cardio rules, the principles behind them do not stop at the state line and you will find that most agencies throughout the US follow similar standards. If you read deep into them, you will see that your condition is an acceptable one provided you demonstrate no other related symptoms.

L-1 thank you for that link. It has a portion about RBBB not being a worry as long as there are no symptoms, which is my case.