[rey]

Thank you. It is for my CDL and job. I was 144 over 98 and I need to be 140 over 90 or lower. Some here think I should be unemployed because of some arbitrary government number.

[2harddrive]

If you are 144 over 98, you need to be on MEDS. It is only going to go up further!

[Yaelle]

Don’t listen to anyone who is yapping about getting on blood pressure meds. They kill. High blood pressure is only a symptom. Lowering it with those drugs doesn’t address the problem.

After tomorrow you can check out a zillion free websites on natural lifestyle ways to lower blood pressure. First we want to just get your lowest possible result on your job test. I’ll be praying for you. Mine goes up and down dramatically on those tests so I do get it.

[Mr. K]

ok, well that sounds reasonable.. if its just a couple of points then eat some vitamins and minerals (dont take one, take 5)

Turmeric, Cinnamon, magnesium, vitamin d, eat nothing but bananas and oatmeal from now until then... relax, watch something FUNNY on TV - get to bed early and get to the exam early, take a COOL shower before you leave.

In short, do all the stuff you’re supposed to be doing normally- not just before an exam

[Popman]

Thank you. It is for my CDL and job.

Last time I got my MC for my class A license, I totally blew the number...

I asked the tech to give me a minute to relax and take it again.

Took a couple of deep breaths relaxed and passed...

Some here think I should be unemployed because of some arbitrary government number.

Yup, I had to get my doctor to sign off that I do not have sleep apnea because my neck is larger than 18 " around and my BMI was too high...

The BMI number I needed to pass would mean I would look like a skeleton...

I'm a big boned heavy muscled guy...

I would need to weight 165 lbs to pass the BMI...I think I weighed that when I was 14 years old... and very little fat...

[oh8eleven]

It is for my CDL and job. I was 144 over 98.
Those numbers are edging you close to stroke/heart attack territory. Behind the wheel of a truck is probably not the place to be.
I suggest discussing a long term plan with your doctor including some meds (I hate meds!), exercise and diet.

[Cold Heart]

Garlic pills work. Back in the sixties an old way over weight sea captain failed his BP. The Dr told him to go around the corner to a China Town market and eat some garlic, come back in an hour or so. He was able to rejoin his ship. Oat meal for breakfast, daily, will also lower your cholesterol over time.

[Dr. Sivana]

Thank you. It is for my CDL and job. I was 144 over 98 and I need to be 140 over 90 or lower. Some here think I should be unemployed because of some arbitrary government number.

My personal physician says that the new guidelines set the bar at 150 over 100. It is arbitrary, like those BFM numbers.

Get enough sleep, relax, drink hibiscus tea, cut out all added salt (including in condiments like mustard) and avoid salty foods in general. Avoid licorice or anything that leeches potassium. Take potaasium and magnesium. Take flax twice a day.

I did the above and knocked off 30 points from a higher reading than yours . . . but it took a month.

[mass55th]

My borderline high blood pressure was actually discovered when I went for a job physical back in 1980. I got the job, but the doctor said I should follow-up with my family doctor, which I did. He initially put me on HCTZ, but after several years, he added a beta blocker. My pressure has been on the money each and every time I see him, which is every six months. Good luck.

[OftheOhio]

There is some good advice here, Rey. Don’t fall for the scam way of taking your blood pressure either, especially with your cdl at stake. I’ve never had high blood pressure but having had my bp taken with my legs hanging off a gurney and arm hanging down it bumps it up quite a bit. The old traditional way sitting with feet on the floor (do not cross your legs) and your testing arm on the table is the proper way, except no other.

[Slyfox]

I wouldn’t mess with BP. It can damage internal organs. Go ahead and let the doctor figure out what it is and he will probably put you on something like the lowest dose of Benicar which is designed to bump both your numbers down about 15 points into a region where your internal organs are safe.

[NonLinear]

Very spicy food - say salsa made with scorpion peppers or ghost peppers - will lower your BP by a good 10 points on both the top and bottom numbers.

The hot pepper capscium oils dilate the blood vessels. Lasts for a day.

[bytesmith]

I have the same issue when getting the DOT physical. Not having coffee beforehand helps mine. Blood pressure medicine is cheap but I think you need a prescription. Once when taking the physical, my numbers were a little high. The doctor sent me home with a few pills and said come back in a couple of days. I passed. Good luck to you.

[CivilWarBrewing]

I wish you the best. I like someone else’s suggestion to be there on time and not late. Running late could really do a number on your numbers! I have ‘white-coat-aphobia’ so it wouldn’t matter what I did. LOL Relaxation techniques are worth looking into.

[CivilWarBrewing]

Some more great advice: Do NOT allow them to take your blood pressure until YOU feel settled and that your reading reflects your normal state, not a RUSHED state. Don’t let them push you into a reading until YOU are ready. Politely ask for more time if need be.

[mosaicwolf]

Xanax 1 hour before physical.

[right way right]

Don't smoke, relax your muscles as much as possible No coffee.
I have done the same thing for DOT CDL A health card.
Diuretics supposedly can help, never had to do that myself. Exercise to relax before the test can help.
You probably have more control over it than you realize.
Hope you do ok. I use my own doctor too.
Smoking was the culprit for me. I quit, and it only took about 14 tries over two years to accomplish it;-)