Focus on Wellness:
High Blood Pressure
In September of last year, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued new blood pressure guidelines to be used by medical examiners performing DOT-required physicals. The bi-annual DOT-required physicals are required for individuals seeking to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).*
Blood Pressure Guidelines
Under the new guidelines, a person whose blood pressure measures between 140-159/90-99 will receive a one-year certification. After a year, if the person's blood pressure is still above 140/90, that person will receive a one-time three month certification. At the end of the three months the individual's blood pressure must measure below 140/90 in order to be certified to operate a CMV. The previous DOT-recommended level was 160/90.
Unfortunately, many ATU members have been or will be affected by the changed guidelines. African-American ATU members in particular may be affected because of a genetic susceptibility to high blood pressure.
Factors Leading to High Blood Pressure
Common factors that can lead to high blood pressure are irregular sleep habits, stress, high cholesterol, lack of exercise, and a high fat diet. These are all risk factors that are common in transit operators who are forced to deal with difficult customers, tight work schedules and limited break time.
In addition to the threat that high blood pressure can pose to your job under these new guidelines, high blood pressure poses a serious risk to your health. High blood pressure, often called hypertension, can be a risk factor for heart and kidney disease, stroke and heart failure.
Fortunately, you can find out if you have high blood pressure by having your blood pressure checked regularly. If it is high, you can take Focus on Wellness steps to lower it. Just as important, if your blood pressure is normal, you can learn how to keep it from becoming high. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent high blood pressure:
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can make you two to six times more likely to develop high blood pressure than if you are at your desirable weight. Even small amounts of weight loss can make a big difference in helping to prevent and treat high blood pressure.
Get regular exercise: People who are physically active have a lower risk of getting high blood pressure - 20%-50% lower - than people who are not active. Even light activities, if done daily, can help lower your risk.
Reduce salt intake: Often, when people with high blood pressure cut back on salt, their blood pressure falls. Cutting back on salt also prevents blood pressure from rising.
Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all: Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If you drink alcohol, limit how much you drink to no more than two drinks a day. The "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" recommend that for overall health, women should limit their alcohol to no more than one drink a day.
Reduce Stress: Stress can make blood pressure go up and over time may contribute to the cause of high blood pressure. ATU members with high blood pressure are encouraged to consult with their physician.
* Transit operators in certain states may be exempt from the DOT medical examination requirements.
