Long haul trucking companies have a responsibility to employ individuals who can drive safely and to complete this task you must be in good health. Having high blood pressure does not prevent you from driving, providing you are medically cleared to be able to drive.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
When your heart is trying too hard to pump blood around your body it may have to use more pressure than usual to achieve success. When this happens it is called high blood pressure and also known as a class of hypertension.
The Stages of Hypertension
The rules governing drivers with high blood pressure are the same for all long haul trucking companies. For drivers who are in stage 1 of hypertension, this means that the blood pressure is over standard acceptable levels. The reading of 140/90 is considered the maximum before you reach the stage of hypertension. For drivers with readings up to 150/99, they will almost certainly be taking blood pressure medication. For drivers in this range the blood pressure readings should be capped at 140/90 to be certified good for a year. If the pressure goes above this level, they may only be certified for three months at a time. If they are unable to control their blood pressure through medication they may be temporally disqualified from driving and unable to drive the truck.
Stage 2 of hypertension is for readings between 160/100 to 179/109. These drivers may only be issued with a three-month medical validation. To continue to drive the blood pressure readings must be down to under 140/90 at the next check stage.
Stage 3 hypertension is for blood pressures of 180/110 and over. These drivers will be immediately removed from the road and will not be able to return to driving until they can reach the lower acceptable level. At this stage they will always be checked and certified every six months.
Why Is High Blood Pressure Problem for Truckers?
High blood pressure can cause a range of problems which can put the driver in hospital. It can be the cause of memory loss and brain damage. Heart attacks, strokes and damaged kidneys can be caused by high blood pressure.
Fortunately, many high blood pressure problems can be treated through long haul trucking companies will be satisfied to employ truckers with high blood pressure, providing it is medicated and they are certified as being able to drive.
