Question
Hello Nursey Red....
Since there is a discussion about High BP.. What about Low BP's Is there any minimum BP regs..? Another thing, is there any association with Low BP and becoming sleepy or tired while driving..?
The reason I ask is because I have always been the walking dead. I think they use my BP for the lower end to get the average..LOL
I remember 5 yrs ago this kwack was going to decline my health card because my BP didn't increase after doing 5 deep knee bends.. At the time i was working construction 15 hrs a day, I was in extremly good shape. Anyhow i asked him what the solution was.. he told me a by-pass would cure it. Oh My, did I light into this bozo... he gave me my card and I never used him again...
So what do you think Ms. Nurse..? Does low BP create problems as does high BP..?
Andy
Answer
Andy,
Low blood pressure is generally not a problem for most. I personally ran 80/60 for most of my life and it would scare the heck out of nurses and Drs. until I told them it was normal for me. But it can cause dizziness and fainting at times if it falls too low. The only time it caused me problems was when I was pregnant, or on medications that affected it. You didn't tell me your age, or what your B/P reading was, though. Also, other factors must be considered here. Such as heart rate at rest and following a short period of exercise. EKG and specialized xrays must also be done before a problem can be identified. Many components must be considered, not just one set of numbers. Especially when a cardiac bypass is discussed or recommended! Jeez!
Have you read the Hypertension article in the 'read only' section of the medical forum?
Let me know if I can be of further help.
Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse RedVisit us at
Answer
Nurse Red,
Since I have had hypertension since the age of 17 - I am 66 now - I am interested in the Hyper Tension article. I looked in the read-only forum and searched without result. Where is the article? My blood pressure averages around 165/90 on the first reading. After a 5 to 10 minute wait it will go below 160/90. My resting pulse is about 67. I am getting ready to take a CDL medical and I am a bit concerned, any advice? Thanks
Answer
The article is in the MEDICAL FORUM (READ ONLY) section. Fourth article down entitled
'ALL ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE'. You may also find more info at our website then click into the information about DOT physicals. If you have further questions, feel free to post them here or e-mail me at abms@erols.com.
By the way....that 165/90 will cause you problems when you go for your physical. The regs state that the top number must be 160 or below and the bottom number must be 90 or below. You didn't mention if you were under a doctor's care or taking medication for your blood pressure.
Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse RedVisit us at
Answer
Nurse Red,
Yes I am on medication (Minipress 1 mg 3Xtimes a day). However, it doesn't seem to be bringing it down below 160/90. Could be due to the stress I am under trying to finish a project and return to the states in May. I checked this morning on getting up and it was 154/86. Took my pill and went for a 2 mile run. Checked again when I got back and it was 110/64. Got to keep it down to pass my physical.
[This message has been edited by Harold Bigley (edited 04-13-99).]
Answer
Harold,
Stress will definitely contribute to higher readings on your blood pressure. But all the medication in the world will not do much good if the needed lifestyle changes aren't made as well. Your exercise by running is a two pronged attack on high blood pressure. First of all, exercise releases stress reducing hormones into your system as well as working on your cardiovascular state. Of course there is the added bonus of weight reduction, too. Keep up the good work.
Did you find the blood pressure article in the 'read only' section?
Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse RedVisit us at