Expert: John L - 6/24/2009

Question
Sir, I've directed this question to you because as a recruiter you are probably most likely to know or know where to find the answer. I am a cadet at West Point and after several black outs (infrequent, 9 blackouts over 4 years) and a history of a very high heart rate (resting around 100, up to 260 or 270 when running) I've been referred to a cardiologist. I still have some tests scheduled and don't have a diagnosis yet, but I had a couple questions about what might disqualify me and what won't. After doing a lot of research, Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia sounds exactly like what I have. I have every symptom. My resting heart rate is 100+ and it spikes very easily (by just going upstairs or walking with a backpack). I'm not in bad physical condition, but doing aerobic exercise like running or biking sometimes causes chest pain, blurred vision, and dizziness. My doctor as of yet has not mentioned this condition but my stress test (at the end of this month) should suggest if i might have it or not.

If i DID have IST, would this disqualify me from getting my commission? I have read online that Tachycardia is disqualifying, but if it's correctable by medicine, would I still be disqualified because of my dependency on medication?

My second question is about the blackouts. My doctor has said that he thinks (it will take more tests to know) that they are vasovagal episodes, though the trigger isn't determined. Most of the time they have occurred either when i'm standing or when i stand up from sitting or lying down. Once, though, occurred while I was on a run.

My second question is, if I didn't have IST, but I did have this vasovagal syndrome (which I would also have to take medication for) would THAT disqualify me from getting my commission?

Thanks a lot for your time, and if I wasn't clear enough about something please let me know!

Respectfully,
Lisa Taylor

Answer
You cannot get a commission while you have to take medication for anything byt allergies,   and the blackouts are so dangerous to have, most states would deny you a driversa license.

A leader has to be healthy and be able to handle stressful situations, if you blackout during combat operations, soldiers will die.  I do not think you would want to chance that, would you?