DOT Physical

I'm about to take my DOT physical for the first time. My B. P. is slightly high 140/96. If I fail by blood pressure part of the test , what happens? Do I get a licence for 3 mo. (like I've heard) or am I out of luck completly?

If the physician doing the physical is experienced in doing DOT physicals he/she will take a resting B/P (blood pressure) see it is slightly elevated- -not say a word- - go through a bit more of the physical and take your B/P again - - if at that time it is again slightly elevated they will mention it to you then- -complete the physical taking another resting B/P and an active B/P and then follow up with a final resting B/P

If the difference between the resting and active B/P is not too great and your B/P seems to level out after activity and return to your resting B/P- - the physician will most likely give you your long form and card

However.......

If your B/P continually through the entire exam remained elevated the physician may temporarily put an approval on hold and recommend that you see your regular physician who may put you on a mild medication to stabilize your B/P- - once it has stabilized ( usually a couple of weeks) you can return and retake your physical. That is providing you have elevated B/P from natural causes such as aging. If there may be other factors like smoking, weight or stress then those will have to be addressed as well as taking medication before you return to retake your physical.

The 3 month approval is used mainly for those folks that continually have trouble maintaining a normal B/P even though they are on a B/P medication.But, a 3 month approval can also be given to someone who is just beginning treatment for high B/P then once stabilized can return and retake the physical to obtain the 2 year approval.

That's entirely correct about a BP problem. A couple of times I had a slightly elevated BP do to too much coffee all day long. The nurse had me lay dow for 5 minutes, the Dr. came in, had me setup and took my BP again and it was good enough to pass. Stay away from ANYTHING that could possibly raise it prior to going in. NO salt, or coffee at least 24 hours prior. Stay relaxed because one you start stressing about it, the BP will more than likely go up.

Good luck to you.

you wont get your medical card till your bottom number is 90 or below,a way to get it down is stop all sugar ,salt,and dont smoke for 24 hours before you go for the checkup,drink alot of water,these steps will drop your blood pressure long enough to pass,good luck

Anything above 160/90 will fail you.
Like Angel says, an experienced nurse
will take several readings over the
course of your physical.
Odds are one of them will test normal.
Personally, I take a valium one hour
before my own physical.
This drops my BP by 10 or 12 points.
As they are prescribed by my doctor,
I list them on the DOT form where it
asks for any/all drugs you are
currently taking.
If later it shows up on the piss test
part of the physical I have nothing to
worry about.

- prime rib

Try taking garlic pills. Check your BP everyday and you will see it drop around 10 points or so. Has worked for everyone I know.