What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is determined by how much blood your heart pumps, and resistance, caused by how tight your arteries are.
A blood pressure reading has two numbers:
The first number—systolic pressure—is the pressure of the blood flow as your heart beats and pushes blood throughout your body.
The second number—diastolic pressure—is the pressure between heartbeats, as your heart rests and refills with blood.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is diagnosed when your blood pressure is consistently 140/90 mm Hg or higher. At this level, the pressure inside the arteries is too strong and may be causing damage to arteries throughout the body—and significantly increases the risk of damage to your heart, kidneys and eyes. What is normal blood pressure?
Normal blood pressure is defined as below 120/80 mm Hg.
BOTTOM LINE FOR PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS:
Your blood pressure needs to be below 140/90 to pass your CDL exam and maintain good health
Blood pressure between 120/80 mm Hg and 139/89 mm Hg is considered prehypertension.
Prehypertension is a condition that puts you at greater risk of developing high blood pressure. If you have prehypertension, you should consider making healthier lifestyle changes.
Talk with your doctor about the special blood pressure requirements you have as a driver. Always consult your doctor for treatment recommendations.
Click here to read more about the specific blood pressure requirements for CDL certification or recertification.
