DOT Physical Blood Pressure

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by rowekmr, Nov 3, 2020.

  1. rowekmr

    rowekmr Light Load Member

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    Jul 9, 2008
    Chicago, IL
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    I am on meds now. I got the meds right before the DOT exam. At home I measure it and it is normally 128-137/84-89 still high for my liking. I started exercising, cutting sodium, drinking more water, getting better rest. I have only been doing this a few weeks but the stress from job changing, COVID, etc aint helping either.

     
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  3. MericanMade

    MericanMade Heavy Load Member

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    Aug 14, 2019
    Pensacola, FL
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    I took extra lisinopril for my Cypress physical, and I have white coat hypertension. BP is sometimes sky high, especially when the gal taking it had arthritis in both hands. It was in the normal range that day.
     
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  4. rowekmr

    rowekmr Light Load Member

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    Jul 9, 2008
    Chicago, IL
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    It's extreme white coat now. Before it would only go up a few points but since this has been a problem my anxiety/nervousness kicks in and it can balloon up. I had to take a physical agilities test for XPO and I was nervous at home at my BP was 130 something/90. I got there and it was 173/100 he had me wait a few minutes then it went down to 153 and I was able to proceed. Long term I need to learn relaxation techniques. I used to fly and get medicals for that never any problems until lately now I am in my 50's.
     
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  5. JC1971

    JC1971 Road Train Member

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    L.A.
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    Coffee can raise it 5 or 10 points temporarily.
     
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  6. rowekmr

    rowekmr Light Load Member

    89
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    Jul 9, 2008
    Chicago, IL
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    I even cut all liquid caffeine, no pop and never drank coffee but thanks.

     
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  7. Trashtrucker1707

    Trashtrucker1707 Road Train Member

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    Dec 30, 2017
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    I’ve dealt with white coat syndrome for years as well, last year I took on keto and have lost 50 pounds, I wasn’t a big guy but overall I didn’t feel great, even with the weight loss my BP numbers were still a bit elevated. I’ve always maintained a 2 year card, I’m 37, but it’s always been borderline. I found GOLI apple cider vinegar chews approximately 90 days prior to my current physical, I take 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening, I tried the pure apple cider vinegar cut with water but simply couldn’t handle the taste, that’s when I found the chews.

    Fast forward to my physical, my BP was 118/66, the best I’ve ever had, I know my weight loss(currently 166pds) was a huge help, but I truly believe the apple cider vinegar has been a life saver. I also don’t indulge in any caffeine, I do water and decaf coffee. Hope this helps, best of luck.
     
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  8. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Aug 8, 2015
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    Might want to check the rules. Mine was over 140, and got a 3 mo. Then below 140, and got a 2 yr. I think the first Dr. had the power to give me up to a 1 yr. but chose the 3 mo.
     
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  9. HiramKingWilliams

    HiramKingWilliams Heavy Load Member

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    May 15, 2019
    State of Jefferson
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    Mine was a little high, they let me lay down for a while to relax, and I watched fish in their fish tank, then they rechecked and I was good. If you go with XPO, you’ll do a second post-offer physical too. It’s at a physical therapy office and involves a BP check, then about 6 exercises (basic stuff like carrying a little weight across the room), followed by another BP check. It may sound complicated but it’s simple, and IMHO worth the trouble.
     
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  10. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Apr 16, 2014
    high plains colorado
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    I too have "white coat syndrome", big time. It's the clinics fault. They are in cahoots with the med makers and have these hot nurses, anybody's BP would go up. Stay away from chocolate too. BP is crazy, you take it 10 times and get 10 different readings.
     
  11. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    Dec 17, 2010
    Williesburg, Virignia
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    There are several medications that can help lower BP. Most "water pills" will work to lower BP. E.D. medications and Nitrates will also work. I know a guy that tells me his BP can fall from the 140/90 range to well below 120/70 about an hour after taking Isosorbide but pays a heavy price with being dizzy. I also take Isosorbide and my average BP is 95/60 today. I was put on Isosorbide a while back because of continuing chest pain.

    However, I don't recommend a driver take this junk just to lower BP enough to pass a physical. Yes, I know how important getting the "card" is and I am well aware of what happens once you lose it. High BP is dangerous and can lead to several health issues. This job can be stressful at times. Then take into account the most exercise a driver gets is getting in and out of their truck and the occasional drop and hook or to open and close doors. I will stop here because I don't want to start a debate. If your BP is too high seek medical help and make the lifestyle changes to keep it down without the need for medications. Remember this though, right now as I am writing this comment I can list many now ex drivers who have either lost their "cards" or their very lives over the health issues that seem to plague CMV operators. Give this some thought, making a living is important, but so is staying alive!

    While I am on this subject I will repeat something one of my heart doctors told me a while back. She said it is a mistake to say eating right and getting exercise will allow you to live longer. She took me aback a bit with that comment. She went on to explain her point. The average human can divide their lives into 3 parts. Birth - 30 30 - 60 and 60 and beyond. You can develop horrible health choices while a teen or a 20something and still generally stay in good health. This starts to catch up with you as you get closer to being middle-aged. Then once you get past 55 to 60 can lead to serious quality of life issues. The doc went on to say most human life spans is set by factors other than lifestyles. What lifestyles tend to determine is the quality of later life, not the number of years you get. This is profoundly true in my life. I made horrible choices during my life and today regret almost all of it. Further, it really bothers me to have to stand by and watch today's younger generation make this same mistake, knowing there is nothing I can do to change this. It is sad when a driver is forced for health reasons to get off the road. My father went through this, and so did I. Sorry about the thread hijack, still I think this was something that needed to be stated!
     
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