Dot Physical

Topic 16462 | Page 1

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Jordan's Comment
member avatar

Hello, I am going to start truck driving school on October 10. I was able to visit my doctor today and my pressure is 156/100. The question that I have is he told me that I would not be able to pass Dot Physical with my blood pressure that high. I read the forums that if you have that high of blood pressure they would give you a medical card for one month. I am kind of confused on if I would fail the Dot physical or not.

DOT:

Department Of Transportation

A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.

State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.

Tractor Man's Comment
member avatar

Your doctor should put you on medication. I would put off school until it is under control. I usually takes 30-90 days. Then get your DOT Physical. BP medication is very common, it will not disqualify you from getting your CDL

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

DOT:

Department Of Transportation

A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.

State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.

Jordan's Comment
member avatar

Thank you Tractor Man for your reply. I ask him about that and he wants me to make a log of my blood pressure for a week before going on any medication.

Brett Aquila's Comment
member avatar

If you're not starting school until the 10th you should have plenty of time to get some medication and get your pressure down where it needs to be. It needs to be below 140/90.

We have a ton of information about the DOT physical and high blood pressure. We'll keep you reading all day:

DOT:

Department Of Transportation

A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.

State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.

Hypertension:

Abnormally high blood pressure.

Sleep Apnea:

A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.

In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.

It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.

BMI:

Body mass index (BMI)

BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:

  • Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
  • Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit

It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.

John L.'s Comment
member avatar

I have high blood pressure that is currently managed by a prescription called Lisinopril. Ask your doctor if it can help you. I haven't noticed any side effects, it's a once a day pill, and it keeps my BP at around 120/80.

Rick S.'s Comment
member avatar

I have high blood pressure that is currently managed by a prescription called Lisinopril. Ask your doctor if it can help you. I haven't noticed any side effects, it's a once a day pill, and it keeps my BP at around 120/80.

There are many more meds out there other than Lisinopril. It is the most commonly prescribed one, because it's nearly free if you don't have insurance. I think some pharmacies even give it away for free.

If you're that high - they CAN give you a 30 day card - to go get it straightened out. But they will NOT allow you to continue orientation/training until it is under control.

Dr. probably wants you to log it - so he can determine the appropriate meds and dosage before he writes you a scrip.

Rick

Chau N.'s Comment
member avatar

So here's the criteria for drivers not taking medications:

Blood pressure under 140/90: 2-year card Blood pressure higher than 140/90 but less than160/100: 1 year. Blood pressure at 160/100 or higher: 3-month for one time only. Yours fall under 3-month rule, unless you can bring the bottom number to below 100.

I would recommend you get treated to less than 140/90 prior to getting an exam.

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