Blood Pressure

I used to work as a medical assistant doing DOT physicals...some tips for keeping your BP down:
1) Relax (this is the hardest one to do, but try. Also have the MA let you sit for a few min. before your BP is taken)
2) Make sure your bladder is empty (a full bladder will raise your BP)
3) Don't cross your legs and keep them level on the floor (crossing your legs or having the chair cut off your circulation will raise your BP)
4) Don't talk before or while your BP is being taken (also hard to do if the MA is chatting with you)
5) Try to reduce your sodium intake, and drink plenty of water a couple days before so you're not bloated
6) Don't do any strenuous exercise for a couple hours before you go to your appointment
Hope this helps, sometimes you just have high BP and there's nothing you can do to prevent it.

 

great tips..thank you.

 

Odd, I found that doing some pushups and a brisk walk about an hour ahead lowers my pressure... But don't smoke for a few hours ahead....

 

Yes, aspirin thins the blood. I've heard also to give blood just before the physical. Don't know if it really works, but it's worth a try. Also, don't add any salt to your food, ever.

 

Some company exams will put you through a small work out, and then test it. If you have bp issues best to get on some medicines and lots of exercise, and tightening up on your diet and sodium intake. Just say no to those golden french fries.

 

The only thing that matters to me is caffeine.
If I drink a couple cups of coffee that morning I'm borderline 135/87.
If I don't I'm 120/75.
Buy one of those cheapo BP monitors at WalGreens - $40 and experiment.

 

You mentioned a lab. Did a company send you to a lab to take blood as part of a physical?

 

oops, didn't mean to hit the submit button.