Will the Army take my blood pressure whenever I go to the dentist? If so, what if it's high? Will I get discharged?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2020 18:17:52 -0400

I get nervous getting my blood pressure taken whever I go to the doctors . I have to go to the dentist soon. Will they take my blood pressure? If so , what if it's high? Will I get discharged . I'm nervouse because I always get high readings because of nerves. Any info is appreciated

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2020 7:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2020 19:27:02 -0400

If your blood pressure wasn't high enough to bar you from enlistment a few months ago, it's not going to be high enough to get you kicked out. You're going to get your BP taken a lot in the Army, best to get used to it now

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2020 7:29 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2020 19:29:12 -0400

To lower your blood pressure, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Full breath in and slowly release.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2020 10:04 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2020 22:04:55 -0400

You are in AIT. Focus on your MOS and start asking your leadership for answers to all of your questions.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made May 4 at 2020 1:04 AM

SGT Chris Padgett — Mon, 04 May 2020 01:04:45 -0400

I had high blood pressure after my third year in.
I was required to report to the TMC every day @ 1600 to have my B/P taken. If it was high, I was told to go to barracks and rest, if not, all good.
I PCS and expect the same, guess what, no record of of any of this.
I get out and file for C&P to cover cost of B/P meds, no record in my files.
I had to find a couple of my old supervisors (thank god for F/B) and a medic that all wrote statements on my behalf.
I wouldn't sweat it.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made May 4 at 2020 8:38 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Mon, 04 May 2020 08:38:04 -0400

There is such a thing as "white coat syndrome". Basically, a person gets nervous and anxious during a medical examination. It causes your BP, heart rate, and respiration to increase. It's a known phenomena in the medical field. If your BP wasn't high enough to disqualify you from initial enlistment, I don't imagine you'll have any issues during a dental exam. Most dental offices don't routinely take BP (or at least none of mine ever did) unless you're going in for surgery and will be administered general anesthetic.

I'd be more concerned with untreated hypertension (high blood pressure). It can case all sorts of serious issues if not properly managed. Take a few deep breaths, try to relax, and speak with your primary care provider at the earliest opportunity.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2020 8:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2020 20:22:57 -0400

Not at the Dentist.

I had to get blood pressure monitoring for 24hrs since ive been in and turns out i have pre-hypertension only when im at work lol. you will be fine.

Response by PV2 Adar Fulton made May 10 at 2020 10:47 PM

PV2 Adar Fulton — Sun, 10 May 2020 22:47:14 -0400

Eating raw garlic helps lol