I will probably be entering the Naval Academy this summer, but am concerned about the I Day Medical Examination. I have a history of high blood pressure. I reported everything to DoDMERB. DoDMERB requested a 3-day BP and pulse check, all my records regarding BP, and then a 24-hour BP study. Eventually, I was qualified. The BP problem is clearly white-coat hypertension... I get nervous around doctors. My readings at the doctor's are elevated, often above 140/90. At home the readings are normal, some as low as 90s/60s. My concern is that on I Day my BP will be above 140/90. Will they kick me out or make me do all those tests that I just did for DoDMERB or what?
I Day Medical Examination
- Thread starter marine
- Start date
marine,
When you show up for I-day, they will do a medical screening, if your BP is high, they will ask you if you've had issues with this in the past. Explain that you went through a work up for DoDMERB, all that information will be available to the examiner in I-day. Understand that everyone's BP will be elevated due to the stress of I-day, so if your's is increased, you won't be alone! As long as DoDMERB has cleared you for that issue, and as long as your BP isn't lethally high, they will not send you home on I-day. I'm speaking from experience, I was part of the I-day medical in-processing for 7 years.
When you show up for I-day, they will do a medical screening, if your BP is high, they will ask you if you've had issues with this in the past. Explain that you went through a work up for DoDMERB, all that information will be available to the examiner in I-day. Understand that everyone's BP will be elevated due to the stress of I-day, so if your's is increased, you won't be alone! As long as DoDMERB has cleared you for that issue, and as long as your BP isn't lethally high, they will not send you home on I-day. I'm speaking from experience, I was part of the I-day medical in-processing for 7 years.
I am glad to hear that. Just out of curiosity, what would you define as being "lethally high" BP? I was 100% honest when working with DoDMERB, so they have all my paperwork (test results, BP history, etc.). Should I be concerned about my BP being elevated at future physicals at the academy or will they merely take into consideration that I have a history of high BP and leave it at that, just like you suspect they will do at I Day? Thanks for the information and future replies.
If your systolic (first number) is over 200 or the diastolic (second number) is over 120, then that is considered a medical emergency. The number of people out there who have "white coat hypertension" is actually quite high. In one of my previous posts I gave some pointers for things to do prior to a BP check. They do work, and if you notify the examiner or tech who is doing the blood pressure that you have "white coat hypertension" before they do the BP they will usually let you sit there for a couple of minutes and relax before testing.
A personal story, my BP elevates whenever I sit in a dentists chair. so when I go to the dentist and they want a BP I ask if I can sit in one of the other chairs in the office. works like a charm. BP drops back to normal, but you sit me in the dental chair and it shoots through the roof.
Quite a few aviators in the navy and Marine Corps have the same issue, and when it was brought to my attention by the aviator I, and all the other corpsman who I worked with over the years, would take the time to let them rest and relax no matter how busy it was.
If you mention your issue prior to any examination, and work on relaxation techniques it should not be an issue for you.
A personal story, my BP elevates whenever I sit in a dentists chair. so when I go to the dentist and they want a BP I ask if I can sit in one of the other chairs in the office. works like a charm. BP drops back to normal, but you sit me in the dental chair and it shoots through the roof.
Quite a few aviators in the navy and Marine Corps have the same issue, and when it was brought to my attention by the aviator I, and all the other corpsman who I worked with over the years, would take the time to let them rest and relax no matter how busy it was.
If you mention your issue prior to any examination, and work on relaxation techniques it should not be an issue for you.
The other day, I talked with USNA Medical and the woman that I spoke with said that she helps with IDay and all she knows of is the blood work. I specifically asked about the blood pressure and she said that as long as DoDMERB has cleared me, they will not retest for that condition. What does this mean? (Do they not test BP on IDay or do they only not test if BP was an initial concern, but cleared by DoDMERB, or do they test BP regardless of past history).
It seems that I am getting contrasting information. On this forum, I understand it to be that BP is tested regardless of past history. However, after speaking with USNA medical, it seems that BP is not tested on IDay. Please relieve me of my confusion. Thanks.
It seems that I am getting contrasting information. On this forum, I understand it to be that BP is tested regardless of past history. However, after speaking with USNA medical, it seems that BP is not tested on IDay. Please relieve me of my confusion. Thanks.
Great question marine! So, what does happen if your BP is elevated on I day.
Do they check BP on I day?
Dad
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You have restarted an old thread (over 6 years old!) that was started by someone who has not been on the forums for over 3 years. 'marine' will not respond since he/she is no longer active.
I don't know if USNA checks BP on I day anymore, but I doubt that they do. Just be sure to follow RetNavyHM's advice about communicating issues you have resolved with DoDMERB regarding your BP. Best wishes.
