An HGV medical is a very important part of staying on the road legally and safely for professional drivers. Stress is a factor that many drivers don’t think about, but it can have a big effect on results. Most drivers focus on their eyesight, blood pressure, and medical history. At Simply Medicals, we often see how stress and anxiety can change medical readings for a short time and make people worry for no reason during HGV medical assessments.
Knowing how stress affects your body and how to deal with it before your appointment can make a big difference.
The Effects of Stress on the Body During Medicals
Stress makes the body respond with “fight or flight,” which releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones get the body ready to move, but they can also mess up medical tests done during an HGV medical.
High blood pressure is one of the most common problems we see. A driver who usually has healthy readings may get higher readings just because they are nervous that day. Heart rate can also go up, and some people may breathe shallowly, feel dizzy, or sweat, all of which could be cause for concern during an assessment.
Stress can also change blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes or pre-diabetes who drive. Anxiety can cause temporary changes that don’t show your usual control, which could lead to more tests or referrals.
How Stress Can Affect Health Care Choices
HGV medical examiners are trained to spot changes caused by anxiety, but they still take the results seriously. If your readings go above the DVLA’s limits, even for a short time, you may need to be watched more closely, have your measurements taken again, or be told to see your GP.
This can make it take longer to renew your licence and cause unnecessary stress. Most of the time, stress-related problems go away when the driver is relaxed or tested again in a calmer setting. But it’s always better to stop the problem from happening in the first place.
Drivers who are in a hurry, haven’t slept enough, or are worried about ‘failing’ are more likely to have these stress-related changes, especially if they have tight work schedules or licence deadlines coming up.
How to Lower Your Stress Before Your HGV Medical
Getting ready is important. Taking a few simple steps can lower your stress levels a lot and make sure that your results show your true health.
Before your appointment, try to get a good night’s sleep and stay away from too much caffeine or nicotine on the day of the appointment, as both can raise blood pressure. You can relax instead of feeling rushed if you get there early.
Before you check your blood pressure, try taking slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system. Keep in mind that HGV medicals are normal and meant to help you drive safely, not to catch you off guard.
At Simply Medicals, our doctors and nurses work hard to make drivers feel at ease in a calm, professional setting. If you’re feeling anxious, tell the examiner. A short break can often make a big difference.
Ultimately, It all starts with your HGV medical Examinations.
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