Need tips/tricks on passing blood pressure test

Check into far infrared. See: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infrared-sauna/an02154

Lowers BP, no downside.

 

As a physician (chiropractic) who performs DOT physicals, I do whatever I can (advice, rest, etc.) to help a driver get their lowest reading while they are there for their physical. While treatment resides with their primary physician/general practitioner/etc. OUTSIDE of my office, there is only so much I can do to help drivers pass this portion of their test, as I am with them for 45 minutes - an hour tops usually. Aside from the advice on caffeine, sodium intake, etc. pre-physical, we have an aqua bed in our office (for relaxation - it is a hydrotherapy device which provided a warm water massage of sorts). Anything I can do to help a driver relax, I will! I don't like false positives (from, for example, 'white-coat symdromes').

Anything I can to to assist a driver in passing I will do - however if their parameters fall outside of where they should, they will get a medical card according to the guidelines obviously.

I think doctors often forget to promote wellness in prevention of said conditions rather than just cover up the cause of hypertension. Obviously, there are immediate benefits to chemical intervention, however it cannot be stressed enough the importance of cardiovascular exercise along with diet, rest, etc. as long-lasting effects on high blood pressure. This needs to be emphasized much, much more than it is. If you doctor stressed the importance of this, great! More docs need to do this rather than *only* focus on lowering your BP through medications. If you doctor is only focusing on medications and does not advise you on a good exercise protocol (obviously giving you clearance), they are doing a grave disservice to you.

In summary, the focus shouldn't be on lowering BP just to 'pass your DOT physical', rather ask yourself why your BP is high and what you need to do in lifestyle changes to get it lowered long term. Remember, symptoms of hypertension won't be present until target organ damage has progressed (cardiovascular insult, etc.). This is much, much much more important than just passing a physical.

 

Of course most doctors will give a person advice on exercise and proper diet. But it is up to the individual as to whether that advice falls on deaf ears or not.

 

^Absolutely correct, Big Don!

 

I have found that I can advise anyone on anything. Advice is a fragile thing, must be carried gently.

 

I have same problem. Drink about 1/4 cup of distilled vinegar about 30 minutes prior to taking the BP test. It will drop your BP. I've never failed one taking vinegar. It works.

 

My BP runs borderline most of the time. But, in an office, I get whitecoat syndrome. Not just the doctor, but the setting, the waiting, etc. I can't relax well.

My best advice: Get a good cool shower when you first wake up. Put on fresh, comfortable loose clothes. Drink plenty of water. Don't eat anything. Go straight in. Sit, relax. Explain to the doctor that you get nervous for your physical. They'll help.

 

Yes, I find that 80-90 percent of drivers are nervous for one thing or another upon first coming in for a physical. It is good to tell the doctor this, at least it helps me better be able to reassure them that I want to help however I can get their BP down. Plus I like just talking to the driver about whatever - gets their mind off of things.

 

Has anyone heard of taking ginger to lower bp? Something I saw on web md. I suppose you go to a gnc or some place like that and buy it in some type of pill form.

Adam

 

Best answer so far by the doc.