Possibility of High Blood Pressure

Thunderbolt

10-Year Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2007
Messages
241
Greetings everyone,

I really don't know why, but my blood pressure has significantly changed in the last few years, (Im of average body build, no history of heart problems, I keep in shape etc) I'm afraid that perhaps it could interfere with my chance of entering usma. Anyone know any information about this? Does usma do waivers for those who are a little high, or do people in my situation end up disqualified? What is the max limit? Thanks.

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I already heard the tip of taking another physical in the near future, so no one please suggest that again.
 
When you say you have high blood pressure, what is your average BP? By average, taken once a day for 3 days, what is it? If, on your physical examination, your initial BP is over 140/90 then DoDMERB will request a 3 day BP check, and they will then figure your average. If its over 140/90 then it will be a disqualification.

You CAN NOT get a new physical done, unless its been over 2 years since your last one. DoDMERB will not appove you to take another, and will not accept any that are done by your private physician.

There are some tips that you can do to lower your blood pressure, like making sure that you sit and relax for 5 minutes prior to getting it taken. Make sure to limit your sodium intake the day before getting it taken, ect.

Without knowing what your average BP is, all of this is just speculation of course.
 
Wait, let me get this straight. So even if I didn't pass the 3 days, dodmerb won't allow me to try doing this again with them in the following week? AND... is it easy or hard to get waivers for high blood pressure at the united states military academy? It never has affected me. I do a ton of sports and I'm outperform most people.
 
You stated the following:

I already heard the tip of taking another physical in the near future, so no one please suggest that again.

I replied to this statement:

You CAN NOT get a new physical done, unless its been over 2 years since your last one. DoDMERB will not appove you to take another, and will not accept any that are done by your private physician.

So now you state:

Wait, let me get this straight. So even if I didn't pass the 3 days, dodmerb won't allow me to try doing this again with them in the following week? AND... is it easy or hard to get waivers for high blood pressure at the united states military academy? It never has affected me. I do a ton of sports and I'm outperform most people.

We are apparently not on the same page. You can not get a new complete physical examination. As for specific tests, if you do the 3 day BP check, and its over the limit, then you will be found disqualified. You can repeat the 3 day BP as many times as you wish, DoDMERB may not removed the disqualification, but all new information is passed to the waiver authorities, and may help their decision.

As for the possibilities of a waiver, it all depends on the how high the BP is. Since you never answered my question of what your BP currently is, I really can't give you an answer at this point in time.
 
My diastolic is always at the normal range, but for some reason I get very weird results throughout the day and depending on whats being used. I noticed that people say my blood pressure is normal when they manually do it... but when they use the machine I can get varied results. I have a small blood pressure kit at home right now... and I'll attempt to test myself right now...

The time is 8:30
and it reads at a very high

150/70



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Yesterday I did it twice and got the following readings


136/70

and 144/70
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I will do it again in about 15 minutes.. and post the following result.
 
Manual BP's tend to be lower. I would definitely request a manual BP. I would also attempt to calm yourself before getting your BP taken, even if you are doing it yourself. In fact, since you have a BP machine you can see the results as you are attempting the calming exercises.

Just a hint, make sure you take at least 5 minutes between reading, and make sure you have the BP cuff off.

First, make sure you sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes and rest. try to clear your mind and control your breathing. relaxed, slow breathing is essential to lower your blood pressure. Try taking your mind off what’s going on, read a book or a magazine. Try it a couple of times a day until you are comfortable.

Your current reading are a little high. It could be that you are psyching yourself out, worrying that your BP will be high, which will then increase your blood pressure. I can tell you don't worry about it, but you are the one that has to believe that you can lower your BP.

Give it a try for a couple of days. Let me know what happens.
 
Thanks RETNavy,

My father told me that I should be insane to think that I have high blood pressure. He thinks I'm being a hypochondriac, but nonetheless, my blood pressure won't amazingly be 120/70 either. I'm hoping I can stay within 130, or lower. I did another reading at about 10:00 am, and got a reading of 136/76. What I also noticed was... (this could be bad.. because.. dodmerb wouldn't give a care) I get really nervous whenever I get a cuff link on, and sorta feel the anxiety flowing around me. To think that I could get DQed, and my dream of going to the service academy because of this... doesn't make me very happy. This may sound funny, but I better "practice" taking my blood pressure in such a way that I will remain calm throughout the process.... Geez... "practicing" ... I'll post more later on results. Thanks.
 
What you describe is called "white coat hypertension" (white coat = doctor = stress = high BP, its physiologic vs. physical). Its more common than you think. You need to take yourself to your "happy place" when doing a BP. Do not think about whats going on. You can control your BP to a certain extent. The more stressed you are about it, the higher it will go.

Practice on yourself. Do one while thinking about how high your BP is. Wait 30 minutes, while relaxing (try reading a novel), and take it again thinking about your "happy place". You will see a difference. From that point its all about getting yourself into that "happy place" whenever you get your BP done.

If you explain it to the examiner when you are getting your BP done, they should let you sit quietly for 5 - 10 minutes before doing your BP, in which case your BP should be lower.

Also, you need to stop obsessing over it. Take it one day at a time. Every opportunity will be given to you to show that your BP isn't high.
 
Yes. I think I have exactly that same problem. Especially for the fact so much depends on Dodmerb, I HIGHLY doubt I will remain at a normal state. I'm sure I will be very apprehensive. I mean, these folks remind me of Dr. Mengele and Adolf Eichman.
 
Exar Ganis,
I have every confidence that if you do as RetNavyHM has suggested about calming yourself, that you will "pass" the bood pressure part of the DoDMERB physical. Trust yourself!

My son's experience with DoDMERB was a very positive one. He was examined by a Concorde recommended physician in a local clinic for the medical exam and then had to go through the medical waiver process. We did not know about this very helpful forum but he was still able to navigate the process by following all directions explicitly. He did have questions along the way and called and asked the DoDMERB professionals. (He had short to the point questions). They were very helpful and encouraging. He never encountered a Mengele or an Eichmann!

When someone as diligent and committed as you applies to a service academy, many people will be there to help you along the way, including the DoDMERB professionals and the knowledgable and now famous, RetNavyHM.

We all want to see you succeed.

Good luck to you and thank you for choosing to serve our country.
 
Amazing. Throughout the past couple weeks my blood pressure was fairly low, but when I did my sports physical I had something crazy like 156/70. The nurse was more confused than I was, and did it a second time and I had like 138/70. Dodmerb part 2 on the 30th
 
Remember to put yourself into your "happy place", relax, try not to think about whats going to happen. Stress and you'll have issues.
 
I was a bit afraid that I would get so nervous that my blood pressure would also be quite high during my physical. Concorde sent me to this Occupational Health place that pretty much only does physicals. The doctor had me running around to each station and I was out in like 15 minutes. I didn't have much time to get nervous.
 
I'm not sure if they are allowed to do this, but the military doctors gave me some sort of sheet which they will allow me to fill out all next week. They said I can come to the clinic (its close, about 5 minutes drive) and check my blood pressure in a calm environment. This could prove to be very beneficial, since Id most likely freak out and some how go over the charts with the PART II of my dodmerb appointment.
 
If the clinic allows it, DoDMERB will not care, because all they see is that the form is complete. I would suggest you go for it!!
 
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