Worried about your blood pressure for the DOT Exam?
Notes from the table of an FMCSA Examiner.
If you’ve a professional driver who’s worried about blood pressure then take 90 seconds and read on. Here’s what I’ve seen across thousands of drivers, folks just like you.
Mandatory disclaimer: this information is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. That being said, maybe you’ll find these ideas useful or thought-provoking:
It’s not just you. Blood pressure is the single biggest issue drivers worry about. CPAP and diabetes related issues are a distant 2nd and 3rd.
Know you’re OK before you come in. Take your blood pressure at home or at a pharmacy for a few weeks before your exam. The peace of mind this gives you is unbeatable.
Don’t schedule last minute. If you’re worried about High Blood Pressure (HBP) or anything else then schedule at least two months before you’re due. If any issues come up you (and your doctor) will have time to address them.
Speaking of doctors: if you don’t have a Primary Care Provider (PCP) then get one. If you’ve got one and haven’t been there in 5 years now is a good time. I understand that guys don’t like going to the doctor, yet I think completely ignoring your health is a poor long-term strategy.
My opinion? At least get a yearly check-up including blood work (and whatever else your PCP recommends). The idea is to catch chronic health problems early, and treat them accordingly. There’s nothing fun about getting blind-sided by major health problems in your 40s or 50s. Some of the cases I’ve seen are truly tragic.
Is blood pressure really a big deal? Yes, absolutely. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US. HBP is arguably the biggest contributing factor. Mostly we’re talking about heart attacks and strokes, both of which can instantly incapacitate a driver.
Is “White Coat Syndrome” real? Maybe. Or maybe you’ve just got High Blood Pressure. Regardless, it’s good to minimize stress before your exam. Leave early, give yourself plenty of time so you’re not dashing through traffic with that awful “Oh no I’m late” feeling.
Does caffeine make a difference? Again, maybe. Individuals who are caffeine sensitive can see a temporary BP spike for about 3 hours. Others see no difference at all. But why risk it? Just have your coffee or energy drink after the exam.
For the actual blood pressure reading. Arm at heart level, not hanging at your side. The Examiner should physically support your arm so you can relax more completely. Focus on letting the muscles in your neck and chest relax. Don’t clench your jaw. Don’t react to the cuff, let it squeeze your arm without tensing up. Your job is to just breathe.
We don’t want to fail you! Examiner’s aren’t against you. We want a win / win / win—safe roads, healthy drivers, happy employers. Each case is unique, yet most Examiners will make every effort to keep drivers on the road. For example, drivers who aren’t on HBP medications can often receive a short Certificate to give them time to work with their PCP to receive whatever treatment is necessary.
Note that these are short-term strategies. The best overall solution to manage HBP is to get your health in order the old-fashioned way, through diet and lifestyle. Don’t know where to start? Go on a 15-minute walk, three times a week. Use this time to start listening to some beginner level content on improving your health. Don’t change everything all at one. Instead, implement small and sustainable changes gradually. Over time you’ll develop a routine that’s right for you, at your particular stage in life.
When in doubt ask a professional. PCPs, Physical Therapists, nutritionists, and personal trainers can get you on the right track. If you're truly lost then ask for help.
Got questions? Just call or email. I can’t offer pre-exam consults, but I’m happy to address general questions about FMCSA medical guidelines.
Thanks for reading. Be safe out there!
Dr. Steve Crotzer
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