Need tips/tricks on passing blood pressure test

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Ralph4159, Oct 20, 2013.

  1. Ralph4159

    Ralph4159 Heavy Load Member

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    I am starting with another company and want to make sure I pass the BP test (last time I was just on the border). I'm not asking for long term advice (eg exercise, low sodium diet, etc), but short term techniques. In the past I've tried to go into a relaxation trance and that seems to help. Also, the technician usually tries to talk to me and I was told that talking during the test may raise BP. I would really appreciate any secrets (like drink 2 glasses of baking soda and then pinch both ear lobes - or something like that). Thanks for your help.
     
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  3. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I've had high BP for years, but it's controlled with meds. It's been said to take your BP after sitting for a few minutes, in the mid morning. Nothing fancy for breakfast either. You've probably heard of the "white coat syndrome" which some people get when the Doc walks in to take it. However, many places now-a-days have the nurse do it, and it's VIA a machine that does everything. You might buy a self taking monitor and take your pressure yourself daily for the previous week. It'll give you an idea where you stand. It's pretty accurate. Oh yeah, if you go on meds, no big deal, it's allowed in this biz and meds are cheap. I pay $30 for a 3 month supply, take 3 meds.
     
  4. FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

    Do not have any CAFFEINE prior to the test
     
  5. Mev

    Mev Road Train Member

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    If its that high and you are freaking out take a Xanax or something.

    I don't think you can do tricks or psychological stuff...people fail to see we are not designed to get ahead of our own nervous system :biggrin_25513:
     
  6. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Sioux City,ia
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    Thing to do Ralph is go to a walk in affordable clinic,have them take your bp and go on meds immediately.You can do everything possible to try and get it lowered without medicine but that doesn't mean it'll work.You could get a physical and all of a sudden it rises due to being nervous.Im on bd medicine and never failed a test.
     
  7. wjbtrucker28

    wjbtrucker28 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 20, 2013
    reno, nv
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    No coffee, cigarettes, or excercise the day of and it may sound dumb but meditation works too, my father has the same problem every 2 years trying to pass it and these little tricks have kept him rolling so far
     
  8. backupandpush

    backupandpush Light Load Member

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    Jun 29, 2011
    Austin, Texas
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    Cube an eggplant into cold, distilled water. Soak overnight in a clean glass pitcher in fridge. Check your BP with a cuff, then drink 4 ozs of eggplant water and check BP again. Don't overdue it, low BP is dangerous, one glass of eggplant water ought to do it, but it requires careful monitoring of the drop vs how much eggplant water. For me, the results were long term. I do avoid excess salt and stress. Good luck... Floyd
     
  9. slim shady

    slim shady Road Train Member

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    Chicago, Il.
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    Alot of grocery stores and drug stores have free bp machines you can check your bp several times a day/week
    Sent from my RM-845_nam_vzw_100 using Board Express
     
  10. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    if your a smoker. like me. have it done in the morning. BEFORE your have your first smoke. bp is lowest when you've been sleeping. raises when you get up.

    if i do it some time during the day. i'll quit 4 hours before going in. usually checks around 136. if i go 48 hours. i'm usually a dead man before it comes back up.

    you can buy the old pump and stethoscope from walmart farily cheap. you pump it up to 200. slowly release air till you hear the beat. that's your high. keep releasing till you can't hear. that's the low.

    you can buy electrical. but readings have never been consistent with the brands i tried. so i stick with the old pump and scope. just make sure to clean the ear peices. or you'll get ear infections.
     
  11. Sharpp

    Sharpp Medium Load Member

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    Feb 8, 2008
    Henderson, Nevada
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    I went into a clinic before my DOT physical with borderline BP. Got a prescription for Lisinopril and Hydrochlorothiazide. This is a common BP drug combo and is very effective with few (none for me) side effects. The generic scrip gives me 90 days for $10 at Wally World.
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2013
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