CDL DOT Physical exams and hypertension

Managing Your Blood Pressure and Passing Your CDL DOT Physical Exam

How Smart Health Choices — and the Right Medical Examiner — Keep You on the Road

If you’re a commercial driver, you already know how important your CDL DOT physical exam is for staying safe and staying employed. One of the most common issues that can slow drivers down during their exam is high blood pressure (hypertension). The good news? With the right approach to medication, diet, exercise, and medical follow-up, most drivers can maintain their certification without missing valuable time on the road.

At Moreland Chiropractic Clinic, Dr. David Moreland is a FMCSA-certified medical examiner who understands the demands of commercial driving. He works with drivers—not against them—to keep them healthy, safe, and certified.

Why Blood Pressure Matters for Your CDL DOT Exam

FMCSA guidelines require that drivers maintain their blood pressure within certain limits to qualify for anything from a full two-year medical certificate to a shorter-term certificate. Elevated blood pressure doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but it may limit the length of your certification or require follow-up.

Keeping your numbers in check is not only important for passing your exam—it’s essential for long-term health and avoiding serious conditions like stroke or heart disease.

Medications That May Be Used to Manage Blood Pressure

Many commercial drivers successfully maintain their certification while taking safe, FMCSA-approved blood pressure medications. Common classes include:

1. ACE Inhibitors

Examples: lisinopril, enalapril. These help relax blood vessels and are often well tolerated.

2. ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)

Examples: losartan, valsartan. Popular alternatives to ACE inhibitors with fewer cough-related side effects.

3. Calcium Channel Blockers

Examples: amlodipine, diltiazem. Helpful for relaxing and widening blood vessels.

4. Thiazide Diuretics

Examples: hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), chlorthalidone. These help your body shed excess fluid, lowering blood pressure.

5. Beta Blockers

Examples: metoprolol, atenolol. Useful for lowering heart rate and managing blood pressure.

Most blood pressure medications are allowed under FMCSA rules as long as the driver is stable, side effects do not impair safe driving, and the condition is well controlled. Dr. Moreland can discuss how your medications may affect your certification and what documentation you may need.

Always talk to your healthcare provider before changing any medication.

Diet Tips to Help Keep Blood Pressure Under Control

Your daily habits can make a big difference in your numbers. Some driver-friendly tips:

✔ Choose lower-sodium options

Fast food and truck-stop meals are often high in salt. Look for baked chicken instead of fried, ask for sauces on the side, and choose vegetables when available.

✔ Stay hydrated

Drinking water helps your body regulate blood pressure and reduces the effects of sodium.

✔ Add fresh produce when you can

Even adding one piece of fruit per day makes a difference. Many truck stops now offer fruit cups, bananas, and salads.

✔ Watch portion sizes

Large, heavy meals can spike blood pressure temporarily and contribute to weight gain over time.

Exercise Tips for Busy Drivers

Even short bouts of activity help.

10-minute walks during breaks

Body-weight exercises like squats, wall push-ups, or planks next to your truck

Stretching routines to improve circulation

Resistance bands—lightweight, portable, and great for strength training

Consistency matters more than intensity. A little every day adds up.

Why Choose Dr. David Moreland for Your DOT Physical?

At Moreland Chiropractic Clinic, Dr. David Moreland understands the unique lifestyle and pressures of commercial driving. He is:

⭐ FMCSA-certified

Officially qualified to perform DOT examinations that meet all federal standards.

⭐ Driver-focused

Dr. Moreland works with drivers to keep them safe and on the road. He takes the time to explain requirements, answer questions, and help drivers manage issues like blood pressure in a practical, achievable way.

⭐ Affordable and Convenient

The clinic offers affordable CDL DOT exams, and scheduling is designed to be convenient for drivers, including those with tight or unpredictable shifts.

⭐ Committed to Safety and Success

Your certification affects your livelihood. Dr. Moreland’s goal is to help you stay healthy, meet FMCSA requirements, and keep your wheels turning.

Stay Healthy. Stay Certified. Stay on the Road.

Managing your blood pressure doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even with the demands of commercial driving. With the right lifestyle choices and the support of a knowledgeable FMCSA-certified examiner like Dr. David Moreland, you can stay safe, healthy, and compliant—without interrupting your career.

If you're due for your DOT physical or looking for a clinic that understands drivers, Moreland Chiropractic Clinic is ready to help. Call today 573-364-8086 https://www.dr-david.com/cdl-exams

About the Author: Dr. David J. Moreland, DC, CCSP, CME is a board-certified chiropractic physician with extensive clinical experience in chiropractic care, sports injury treatment, occupational health, and DOT/CDL medical examinations. He is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) and a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) listed on the FMCSA National Registry, allowing him to perform DOT physicals and CDL medical exams for commercial drivers. Dr. Moreland provides evidence-based, patient-focused care at his clinic in Rolla, Missouri, serving athletes, workers, and professional drivers throughout the surrounding area with thorough, efficient, and driver-friendly evaluations. He possesses more than three decades of professional experience in his field.