Understanding the DOT Blood Pressure Guidelines

Fully understanding the US Department of Transportation or US DOT blood pressure requirements is essential for every commercial truck driver.

Every year, commercial truck drivers undergo the DOT physical exam to ensure their blood pressure levels are within a healthy range. Since high blood pressure is incredibly common in the United States, these annual check-ins are a great way to diagnose and prevent high blood pressure.

Keeping blood pressure within the normal range is a criterion for the USDOT, but it’s also a smart way for truck drivers to monitor their fitness and prioritize their heart health. 

Continue reading to understand further the DOT blood pressure guidelines, numbers, and physical exams. 

DOT Normal Blood Pressure Levels 

High blood pressure can cause many serious health issues, including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure. 

To cut down on the number of truck drivers with hypertension, or high blood pressure, the FMCSA provides blood pressure guidelines. These guidelines state that DOT drivers must have blood pressure level testing that reads within normal parameters.

What Happens If Your Blood Pressure Is High?

There are three categories of high blood pressure. Technically, blood pressure levels above 140/90 are elevated but do not require a driver to be checked more than annually to monitor levels. 

If your blood pressure is 160/100, you receive a three-month timespan to lower your levels. If you can get your levels to 140/90 or below, then you qualify for yearly exams and certification. 

Drivers will be disqualified for blood pressure levels of 180/110 or higher. This medical disqualification means you can’t operate your truck under DOT blood pressure guidelines and regulations. However, you have six months to get your blood pressure levels under control post-exam.

Keep Your Blood Pressure Under Control

If you’re at risk for high blood pressure or test higher than the guidelines, it’s important to know there are plenty of lifestyle changes you can make to keep your blood pressure under control so you can continue being a commercial truck driver.

Some of these changes that help lower blood pressure include losing weight, light daily exercise for around 30 minutes, attention to diet, and avoiding foods high in saturated fats, sodium, and cholesterol.

Stress levels also play a big role in blood pressure measurements. Try to get quality sleep, avoid stressful triggers, practice deep breathing, and make time for yourself each day to promote healthy relaxation. 

If necessary, a medical examiner can prescribe blood pressure medication to take along with changing some lifestyle factors. 

Stay Up to Date on All Exams and Permit

To remain a certified truck driver, you need to stay up to date with your DOT blood pressure exams and all necessary FMCSA permits and fillings that are required by the US Department of Transportation.

Let FMCSA Filings help you manage your requirements from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. FMCA Filings offers compliance checks, motor carrier permits, state-specific permits, USDOT numbers, and more to every truck driver.

Go to FMCA Filings for paperwork, permits, blood pressure exams, regulations, and more for a concise way to manage your trucking needs.