Can People with Hypertension Learn to Drive?
2 Answers
People with hypertension can learn to drive. Below is relevant information about obtaining a driver's license with hypertension: 1. Diseases that disqualify applicants: organic heart disease, epilepsy, Meniere's disease, vertigo, hysteria, Parkinson's disease, mental illness, dementia, and neurological disorders that affect limb movement, among other conditions that impair safe driving. 2. Notes: (1) Avoid long-distance driving and try to minimize continuous driving time. (2) When road conditions are poor or traffic is congested, avoid getting angry and try to provide more oxygen to the heart and lungs. (3) Control the frequency of driving; it is best not to drive more than 3 days a week. If symptoms like dizziness or chest tightness occur while driving, promptly park the car in a safe area and call 120 for help. (4) Hypertension patients should regularly monitor their blood pressure and take antihypertensive medication as prescribed; they must undergo an annual blood pressure check. Once blood pressure exceeds the safe range, they can no longer drive motor vehicles.
Speaking of learning to drive with hypertension, I think it's possible because I'm a living example. After being diagnosed with high blood pressure in my 40s, I wanted to learn to drive but was extremely worried. However, I first went to see a doctor for a thorough check-up. The doctor said it would be fine as long as my blood pressure was controlled below 130/80, and prescribed medication for me to take on time. When I enrolled in driving school, I honestly told my instructor about my condition, and he was very understanding, allowing me to take more breaks during practice to avoid fatigue. During my driving lessons, I measured my blood pressure twice daily to ensure it stayed stable and adjusted my diet to include less salt and more vegetables. When driving, I tend to get nervous, so I take deep breaths to relax and start with short trips to get comfortable. It's been a year now, and I haven't had any issues. The key is to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. In short, hypertension isn't a roadblock—manage it well, and you can drive safely.
