When determining blood pressure for commercial driving evaluations, which measurement should be considered?

In commercial driving evaluations, the blood pressure measurement that should be considered is the higher reading, which is the systolic pressure. Blood pressure is represented by two values: systolic, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and diastolic, which measures the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.

The significance of using the higher value is that it provides a more comprehensive assessment of an individual’s cardiovascular health, which is crucial for safety in commercial driving. Elevated systolic pressure is directly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, which can significantly impact a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely.

By focusing on the higher reading, medical examiners can better identify individuals who may have uncontrolled hypertension or other underlying health issues that could affect their fitness to drive professionally. This practice ensures a higher standard of safety for both the driver and the public.