High blood pressure

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Ultratowel, Jul 29, 2017.

  1. Ultratowel

    Ultratowel Road Train Member

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    so I'm pretty much constantly around the 140/90 area. Pretty much matching it. I've lost about 17lb in the last 6 weeks and am going for losing more. And 3 weeks ago my doctor wanted me to do blood work and make a log of my blood pressure every day. Looking at my bloodwork myself I seem to be very healthy actually and was surprised to see an 86 blood sugar level after a 10 hour fast.

    My really question is. Do y'all think my doctor will put me on blood pressure medicine? I kind of want him to because otherwise I'm scared that when I go to school that I won't be able to find work...if he does put me on the medicine how much do you think it'd drop me by? Just last night I tested 143/91, the night before 148/74, the night before that 141/83. Thank you. I went into Walmart this morning to test my blood pressure too and then machine there was reading me off as much lower. Do y'all think the machine there is busted? I've been using a home machine to test my blood pressure lately.
     

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  3. UsualSuspect

    UsualSuspect Road Train Member

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    There are 10-15 different BP meds out there, and depending on why yours is high, will dictate which one they will put you on. I am on 2 different meds because mine is too high, I will always have HBP, cardiologist told me they will just be a lower dose, and my goal is to get down to 1. You will need 3 days for the full effect of the meds to kick in. I have had zero issues finding companies willing to hire me, and yes, I have to get a new DOT Med every year, but it is not a pain, just routine.
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2017
  4. mydartswinger

    mydartswinger Light Load Member

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    You seem to be close enough where continuing or changing your diet (concentrate on reducing sodium intake) may get you where you need to be. If you get put on meds, the doctor will likely start you on HCTZ (Hydrochlorothiazide), which is a water pill and monitor your BP for 30 days.

    They can customize your meds to fit how much of a reduction you need and the cause of the high BP. During this process, you may go through numerous blood labs, MRIs, and other tests.

    Off meds, my BP is in the 170/110 range. My doc has me on a combination of meds that reduce it to about 136/85.

    Keep talking with your doctor about it and they'll help you find what works for you. Let him/her know that you are/are considering becoming a driver so they won't prescribe you meds that will affect your driving.

    As for the home machine/Walmart machine, it may not be broken. BP can be different at different times of the day. It's usually lower earlier in the day (the closer to when you wake up, the lower it will be). Activity level can also have an affect on your BP. After doing physical acnormal, your BP can be higher than normal.

    I'm not a doctor and can't give any medical advice. These are just some of my experiences with my personal BP.
     
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  5. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Better to continue your weight loss and if your bp drops without the meds, great. But if it doesn't, then get prescribed something to get it under control. If you take a dot physical, are taking bp meds AND tell the truth about it on your forms, then you will be stuck with a one year med card instead of two year..
     
  6. mnmover

    mnmover Road Train Member

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    Blood pressure is to be taken after sitting still for 10 minutes and with your arm at the same heighth as your heart. My numbers both bp and sugar dropped one I started eating tuna every day or everyother day.
     
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  7. Ultratowel

    Ultratowel Road Train Member

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    I've been strictly eating slot of salads fruits and veggies, instead of chips for example I've been eating strawberries and grapes, I completely cut out fried food and soda as well. I might have one or two sodas a week as a little cheat but overall I don't feel like I'm fighting with myself to uphold this diet. I'm actually enjoying it, eating more fresh food and all. I'm just very scared and concerned, I plan to start school with prime in October and I stress a crap ton. So my stress could be playing into my blood pressure as well. I'm really quite scared of going to the school then when I'm doing my dot end up failing it and end up having to break my contract and pay back the training for the school.
     
  8. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    Take note, unless those are steamed fresh veggies you are eating a processed food FULL of sodium. Sodium is the worst enemy of someone fighting high blood pressure. Don't eat much of the veggies on those buffets.
     
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  9. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    The only bp machine that's accurate are the ones on the wall in the doctors office.A nurse told me that.Anyplace will take your bp reading free.If you think you need bp medicine then tell your doctor what you told us.But you'll be issued a 1 yr card if you are on bp medicine.
     
  10. Mortarmaggot

    Mortarmaggot Heavy Load Member

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    I had 147/110 but am normal now. I started eating a couple of bananas and a baked tater every night. I took up walking and now am back to running.

    The change in diet and exercise took about two months and I lost 30 lbs. I don't do a strict diet and am not steadfast when it comes to exercise. Small but consistent changes will produce results.

    Disclaimer: I was a former physical specimen who worked out daily for years. My light exercise might be considered over the top for many, so take my free advice for what it's worth
     
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  11. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    SALT is your worst enemy when you have high blood pressure and it's found just about anything that is in a can. Anything that has preservatives is SALT. Sodium is salt. Process foods has salt. If you need salt, use Sea Salt from the Himalayas. Be careful on the labeling, many try to full you.
     
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