The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that 26% of truck drivers have hypertension. Even with high blood pressure, you may still be able to drive. However, truck drivers with high blood pressure must take steps to lower it and receive more frequent DOT physicals to maintain their certification.
Question:
I have sent my driver for a DOT physical, and the doctor has issued a three-month certification due to my driver's high blood pressure (hypertension). Can my driver continue to remain qualified by seeing the physician every three months and receiving a new medical certificate?
Answer:
NO
The three-month certification for hypertension is a one-time certification. Hypertension, as defined by the regulations, is classified into four stages based on the driver's systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure readings.
Stages of Hypertension
- Stage 0 (Systolic 139 or less and/or diastolic 89 or less): A driver may be certified for two years.
- Stage 1 (Systolic 140-159 and/or diastolic 90-99): A driver with this condition may be certified for one year. Upon recertification, if the driver's
blood pressure is 140/90 or less, they may again be certified for one year. However, if the driver's blood pressure is greater than 140/90 but less than 160/100 at the time of recertification, the driver will be issued a one-time, three-month certificate. - Stage 2 (Systolic 160-179 and/or diastolic 100-109): A driver with this condition must receive treatment and may be issued a one-time, three-month certificate. Once the driver's blood pressure has been reduced to 140/90 or less, a one-year certificate may be issued, and the driver must be recertified annually.
- Stage 3 (Systolic 180 or greater and/or diastolic 110 or greater): A driver with this condition cannot be certified until their blood pressure has been reduced to 140/90 or less. Once qualified, the driver must be recertified every six months.
Note: Once a driver has been diagnosed with hypertension, recertification for Stage 1 and Stage 2 will continue to occur annually, while recertification for Stage 3 will occur every six months. The regulations outlined in 49 CFR 391.43 specifically state that if a driver has hypertension and/or is taking medication for hypertension, he or she should be recertified more frequently.
| Stage of Hypertension | Blood Pressure | Certification Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 0 | Less than 140/90 | 2 years | Biannual DOT physical |
| Stage 1 | 140-159 / 90-99 | 1 year | Annual DOT physical |
| Stage 2 | 160-179 / 100-109 | 3 months (one-time) | The driver may receive a one-year certification if blood pressure is reduced to below 140/90 within three months. |
| Stage 3 | 180/110 or greater | Not qualified | Once the driver's blood pressure is reduced to below 140/90, they may be certified at six-month intervals. |
Individuals with a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher are disqualified. However, they may reapply once their blood pressure has been lowered. They are not permanently disqualified.
What can you do to help control hypertension?
- Eat healthy foods. Follow the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Increase your potassium intake, reduce saturated and trans fats, and limit sodium (salt) in your diet.
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you're overweight, losing even 5 pounds can help lower your blood pressure.
- Increase physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Even if you're healthy, alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Drink in moderation—no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
- Don't smoke. Tobacco damages blood vessel walls and accelerates the hardening of the arteries. If you smoke, ask your doctor for help quitting.
- Manage your stress. Reduce stress whenever possible by practicing healthy coping techniques such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation. Be sure to get plenty of sleep.
CVSA Brake Safety Week Scheduled for August 23-29
This year's CVSA Brake Safety Week is scheduled for August 23-29, according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).
The enforcement campaign is part of the larger Brake Safety Awareness Month, which takes place throughout August.
During CVSA's annual enforcement event, roadside inspectors will:
- Focus on brake systems and components while conducting North American Standard Inspections.
- Place special emphasis on brake drums and rotors, which are this year's inspection focus.
The association will publish a report on its findings later this year.
The event also provides an opportunity for motor carriers to educate drivers and maintenance personnel on the importance of brake safety.
