blood pressure and the DOT physical

And for God's sake, don't do what I did. I decided to take the stairs the last time I had my physical done. Not something that I normally do, but I decided to do it anyway. I have done the exact same thing, I get in there and get nervous as hell, what the doc told me to do was the minute they put that cuff on just close your eyes and relax. It worked for me. Also, listen to the other posters and do not drink any caffine. As far as the cigarette thing goes, they supposedly do not effect you after 20 minutes, but I wouldn't smoke one within the hour just to be safe. So, just relax and picture the nurse naked, all will be fine! Good luck.

 

It will show up as an opiate. I didn't mean take a percocet for the test. I don't think you can find ludes anymore (chill pills). I said percocet because I couldn't think of anything else. I guess I could have said "chill pill."

 

My bp was not high ,but i checked with my Doctor anyway,he
said hawthorne berrie vitamins were natural way to get
bp down, I took them for a few days before Phys just in case.

 

sir, if you have hypertension go ahead and get it treated trucking will do you no good if you have a stroke.jmo

 

early morning appointment is best, no smokes or caffine.

when you get there they ask you if you've had any meds... tell'em yes I been taking daquil for a sinus headcold.

if you're just a little high, tell them you need a minute to calm down a bit... all jiterry from to much coffee and daquil.

a few minutes at rest will sneak you by if its doable.

if not don't panic. You get a one year approval for being a little high. no biggie you're still driving,

alot high, you still get to drive on a 3 month follow up program.

its honestly not like the dot is out to get you on this unless you are seriously at risk. they let you take bp meds and still drive.

probably real late for this... but get off the canned veggies and quit using salt. it'll kill ya.

 

Yep would definitely agree on the advice about the caffeine and cigs. I'm finishing up a career in the fire service as an FF/EMT. Both of these are called vasorestrictors, which means they'll temporarily shrink the veins and arteries, therby causing your BP to increase. GNC and walmart both have a dietary supplement called "Coenzyme Q10" or "CoQ10" as its listed on the label sometimes. This is basically a pill that mimics hydrogen peroxide, but its safe. Once taken, it boost the oxygen saturation levels in your body, 1. making it easier to exert yourself and burn oxygen more efficiently; 2. In doing so lowers your BP, not dramatically but maybe enough to help you pass. Also, any veggie or fruit with potassium is good. Bananas comes to mind immediately. I had this same problem when I first joined the FD, I chugged water to rid my body of any caffeine, and to completey hydrate myself (a hydrated body more accurately shows true BP), and took CoQ10. Hope this helps, I'm going to probably take a position with WSE soon so maybe we'll see each other out there!!! good luck, stay safe

 

DONT DRINK ANY ALCOHOL THIS WEEKEND FOR SURE! I JUST GOOGLED THE SUB. AND SAID THAT TEA AND SOFT DRINKS WILL RAISE IT TEMPERARILY...SO WATER ON MONDAY MORN...ALSO LAY OFF THE SALT BIG TIME.....I HAVE THAT WHITE COAT THING MY SELF...REMEMBER WATER ONLY MON MORN.------YOULL BE FINE-----THEN IN A COUPLE MONTHS YOUL BE SAYING -- IF I HAD ONLY FAILED THAT DARN PHYSICAL I WOULDNT BE STUCK HERE IN LAYOVER LARADO--

 

I HOPE YOU PUT THOSE STAIRS BACK.-- SOME BODY COULD FALL STRAIT DOWN THAT STAIR WELL . AND THAT WOULD NOT BE GOOD FOR THEIR B/P ETHER!

 

daddybear,Yes you do need to get your blood pressure down.Anything higher will get you a one year DOT medical card rather than a two year card.If after a year you have not brought it down,you get a three month card.Employers might look at this as an issue.You don't have to tell them why you were given a card less than two years but I think they would figure it out.Like others have said,prior to your physical,cut out the alcohol,caffeine and watch your diet on the day of the exam.Also,some people are more hyper in the morning,others toward evening,schedule your appointment at the time of day you are more relaxed.If any of above causes don't seem to come into play,it's called "white coat syndrome".Fear of a test or fear of doctors.While taking the test,don't do it while standing,don't do it while sitting on the flat bed with your arm unsupportive.Sit down in a chair,rest your arm on the flat bed and you may find your results may come down 10 to 20 B/P.