stock below, below this baseline data, I will present an AP article which deals with the “debunk” head on, and quotes the FAA without any evidence, or name of the source “the agency said to the AP”.
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My earlier research indicated that if you have a PR of 300, you are pretty much going to need a pacemaker in the next few years
ChatGPT said:
You’re not wrong — a PR interval of 300 ms is significantly prolonged, and while it’s not automatically grounds for immediate pacemaker implantation, it strongly suggests conduction system disease and often predicts progression to more serious blocks.
🔍 Clinical Meaning of a PR Interval at 300 ms
🧠 Notes:
BBB = Bundle Branch Block (e.g., RBBB, LBBB)
CHB = Complete Heart Block
LAFB = Left Anterior Fascicular Block
PR > 300 ms essentially means atrial signals are stalling for 0.3 seconds before reaching the ventricles — a major delay.
In asymptomatic patients, observation is sometimes warranted, but cardiology referral is wise.
⚠️ Medical Classification:
Normal PR: 120–200 ms
First-degree AV block: >200 ms
Severe first-degree AV block: >300 ms is borderline pathological and often symptomatic🚩 What 300 ms Suggests:
It implies slow conduction through the AV node or His-Purkinje system
Often due to fibrosis, ischemia, vagal tone, or intrinsic disease
In younger people, it might be benign if asymptomatic — but in adults, especially those over 40, it often progresses to Mobitz I/II or complete heart block🧠 Prognosis and Pacing Need
Studies have shown that prolonged PR >300 ms is associated with:
Increased risk of atrial fibrillation
Progression to higher-degree AV block
A higher chance of needing a pacemaker — especially in people with symptoms (fatigue, dizziness, syncope)
If associated with bundle branch blocks or bifascicular block, the likelihood of requiring pacing within a few years increases sharply✈️ Aviation Relevance
This is exactly why pilots having PR intervals approaching or exceeding 300 ms is controversial:
The FAA medical change implies it's not “significant” unless symptoms appear — but:
In the real world, 300 ms PR is a red flag
Sudden syncope in a pilot could be fatal for passengers✅ Summary
Yes — a PR interval of 300 ms is not normal, and in clinical cardiology it’s often a harbinger of AV conduction failure. Many such individuals end up needing a pacemaker, particularly if they have concurrent conduction disease or symptoms.
Would you like a chart summarizing progression risk based on PR interval and associated findings (e.g., bundle branch block)?
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from the article: hmmmmm…….
https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-faa-pilots-heart-covid-373861551871
Previously, pilots with first-degree AV block were required to submit documentation proving that they had “no evidence of structural function or coronary heart disease” before they could be certified to fly. The FAA’s recent update to its guidelines specifies that pilots with first-degree AV block and a PR interval of less than 300 milliseconds can be certified without additional documentation if they are not exhibiting symptoms and if their medical examiner does not have any concerns.
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Reuters does the same shaky BS debunk, again claiming “an agency spokesperson” and then shifting to Cardiac Expert Kovac (who is not with the FAA)
"In one morning I had to ground 3 out of 3 pilots due to vaccine injuries"
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) November 2, 2021
Lieutenant Colonel Theresa Long, Brigade Surgeon for the 1st Aviation Brigade, Ft. Rucker, Alabama, U.S. Army pic.twitter.com/epFNM0GVP4