For many truckers, the DOT physical is a source of stress - and with good reason. The problem is that life on the road doesn't always make it easy to meet the requirements. Hours sitting behind the wheel and eating meals on the fly can result in high blood pressure, which is a condition that affects both the health and well-being of many truckers and their ability to drive.

However, blood pressure is manageable. You can take simple steps to monitor your numbers and get your blood pressure under control when it starts to creep up. Understanding blood pressure and how it affects your overall health is a great place to start. As a note, please remember to always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Blood Pressure Basics 

Blood pressure readings are part of every physical exam because they offer key information on your physical condition. Essentially, the term "blood pressure" refers to the amount of force your blood puts on the walls of your arteries as blood moves through your body. 

The two numbers that matter are systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic measures blood pressure each time your heart beats. Diastolic captures blood pressure in between beats when your heart is at rest.

Generally speaking, normal blood pressure is 120/80 or 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, though baseline blood pressure can vary slightly from one person to the next. Your blood pressure must be below 140/90 to pass the DOT physical.

Blood Pressure by the Numbers 

If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, you aren't alone. High blood pressure affects almost half of the US population, and a majority of that group doesn't have the condition under control. The statistics are startling: 

• Hypertension was the primary or contributing cause of over 500,000 deaths in 2019.
• Approximately 116 million people have high blood pressure or would have high blood pressure without medication in the US.
• Only 24 percent of adults with hypertension are managing it properly. 

Unfortunately, truckers are more likely to experience high blood pressure than the general population because of the nature of the job. A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, obesity, stress, bad sleeping habits, and smoking are all associated with hypertension.

In one study, researchers determined that 87 percent of drivers have pre-hypertension or hypertension. This fact is particularly alarming because the national average is closer to 58 percent. 

The Risk of Hypertension

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when blood pushes against artery walls with too much force. The pressure damages the artery walls causing them to become less flexible, which leads to a long list of dangerous conditions.

Among other health issues, arterial damage from high blood pressure reduces oxygen flow to the heart. Chest pain, heart attacks, and heart failure can follow. In addition, arteries delivering oxygen to the brain can become blocked or burst due to high blood pressure.

If you pass the physical, you may be required to return within three months, with the expectation that you get those numbers down by the subsequent evaluation. That causes strokes, which are debilitating, or worse, deadly.

The trouble with high blood pressure is that it is a silent killer. There are few outward signs of dangerous hypertension until disaster strikes. That's why DOT physicals take blood pressure so seriously. There may be no warning that your arteries are under threat until there is an emergency - and if you are behind the wheel when you experience a heart attack or stroke, the consequences could be catastrophic.

What To Expect From Your DOT Physical

Barring special circumstances, you will pass the blood pressure portion of the DOT physical if your blood pressure is below 140/90, with or without medication.

If your systolic number is between 140-159 and/or your diastolic is between 90-99, you should pass the exam, but you may be required to have annual physicals instead of going with the standard two-year timeline. 

Systolic blood pressure between 160-179 and/or diastolic blood pressure between 100-109 is more serious. If you pass the physical, you may be required to return within three months. The expectation is that you will get those numbers down by the time you are re-evaluated. 

Anything over 180 systolic and/or 110 diastolic is considered very dangerous. You won't be permitted to drive until your hypertension is under control. While any threat to your income is unwelcome, the fact is that with blood pressure this high, you are at an increased risk for a heart attack or stroke at any time. Getting the information now to take action may save your life.

Know Your Numbers

The most important thing you can do to prevent or manage hypertension is to know your numbers. Regular check-ups with your physician are a good start but not always practical. In many cases, life on the road doesn't lend itself well to consistent healthcare. 

Fortunately, there are many other ways to keep track of your blood pressure. For example, walk-in clinics are popping up nationwide. Stop into a CVS MinuteClinic, Healthcare Clinic at Walgreens, or Clinic at Walmart to measure your blood pressure without an appointment.

You can also purchase a portable blood pressure monitor and keep it with you for more frequent monitoring. These devices are affordable, compact, and easy to use. Some even connect to your mobile device, so you always have a record of your blood pressure.

If you notice elevated blood pressure or unusual changes in your blood pressure numbers, consult with your physician right away. You may need immediate intervention to prevent dangerous blood pressure levels from causing damage to your heart, brain, and other organs. 

Preventing and Managing Hypertension

Whether you have already been diagnosed with hypertension or you are hoping to avoid a problem through lifestyle changes, there are effective steps you can take to keep your blood pressure at healthy levels. 

• Shed the Spare Tire - Obesity makes your heart work harder, and it directly impacts your blood pressure. Losing the spare tire around your waist can bring your blood pressure down. 
• Move Around - Daily gym visits are off the table when you live on the road. That doesn't mean you should forgo exercise all together. Just 20 minutes of brisk walking can significantly affect your blood pressure. 
• Skip the Salt - Sodium causes elevated blood pressure, and fast food, convenience store snacks, and processed meals are full of it. Check the nutrition panel before you buy to understand how much salt you are consuming. Stay away from excessive sodium and increase your intake of fresh, unprocessed foods. 
• Avoid Alcohol - You don't have to ditch your favorite beer when you're off the road, but drinking more than once a day can cause problems with your blood pressure.
• Steer Clear of Stress - Driving is a high-stress job, so reducing your stress levels is easier said than done. Nonetheless, it's important to try because stress takes a heavy toll on your physical and mental health. Avoiding triggers that cause you stress can help, but that's just not possible in many cases. Stress management techniques like meditation may be more effective in promoting peace of mind. 
• Stop Smoking - Nicotine dependency is one of the most difficult addictions to overcome, but keep trying. Every cigarette you choose not to smoke extends your life expectancy and supports healthy blood pressure. If cold turkey or over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies aren't suitable for you, your physician may have other suggestions to support you in quitting. 

Blood Pressure: The Bottom Line 

The most alarming thing about high blood pressure is that it can cause tremendous damage before knowing it is a problem. Don't risk your health - and the safety of others on the road - by allowing hypertension to go unchecked. Know your numbers and take action to prevent or manage high blood pressure. It's vital for your overall well-being, and of course, in order to pass the DOT physical and keep on trucking.

Other relevant articles:

Wellness in Trucking: An Overview

Cooking in Your Cab: Part 1 - Making Healthy Eating Quick, Tasty, and Affordable

Cooking in Your Cab: Part 2 - Getting Creative with Food Shopping, Storage, and Preparation

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