5 tips to Control your Blood Pressure, and avoid White Coat Hypertension...

As part of the H.S.E. Commercial Diver Medical, your blood pressure is checked. High blood pressure is an early warning sign of developing problems with your blood vessels, and leads to an increased risk of heart attack and strokes if it is not controlled.

Your blood pressure check is designed so that we can pick up on this early warning sign, and do something about it, before it affects your health in the long term, and before it leads to a diving emergency. By the age of 65 most people will need to take some medication to control their blood pressure, but sometimes high blood pressure is found much earlier.

If you're found to have high blood pressure, we may ask you to visit your GP for further tests (eg. blood tests) and to consider starting medication.

It can be controlled with simple lifestyle changes before starting medication. Most medications used for treating blood pressure are OK to taken when diving, but some are not, so if you are in doubt ask your Approved Medical Examiner of Divers (AMED). We can liaise with your GP to help guide them.

White Coat Hypertension

This is the very common experience of finding that your blood pressure is higher when you are stressed, when sitting in the doctor (or nurses') room. These 5 tips will help you keep your blood pressure as low as possible during your appointment:

Tip 1: Avoid salt

Particularly for the 48 hours before your appointment, avoid any salty food or snacks (crisps, salted nuts). Keeping an eye on your food labels to buy "no added salt" or "low sodium" alternatives. In the long term, consider using other herbs and spices to your food instead of salt.

Tip 2: Avoid Alcohol

Regular alcohol intake >14 units a week (6 pints) or repeated binge drinking will increase your blood pressure. Limiting your alcohol all year round to below 14 units is advisable for lots of health reasons, but avoiding alcohol in the week leading up to your medical will particularly help your keep your blood pressure low during your appointment.

Tip 3: Consider missing the morning coffee

This one catches people out a lot. You may be traveling after a night shift, and driving to your appointment, and so you might normally drink a coffee or caffeinated drink to keep you alert. However, along with keeping you alert, it will also increase your blood pressure.

Tip 4: Relax

Avoid stress, and plan a relaxing morning before your appointment. Plan your journey with plenty of time to avoid putting yourself in any unnecessary stressful situations. Consider asking for a lift from a friend or family member.

When your blood pressure is being taken, focus your mind on what you can control, positive memories from the last year and remember to take long big deep breaths when your blood pressure is being taken. Don't focus your mind on the "what if's" and any future plans such as transport home, and the next job.

Tip 5: Take your medication

If you are on medication for your blood pressure already, remember to take your medication that morning before coming to your appointment. Remember to tell us what medication you are taking (you may want to bring a prescription or the box with you).

Summary

Having a diagnosis of high blood pressure (or Hypertension) does not stop you from diving if it is controlled with lifestyle changes or the correct medication. We can work with you and your GP to control your blood pressure and keep you safe at work.

Safe Diving