Priority: You should prepare for the brief examination visit by minimizing daily variations especially in cholesterol producing consumption by using the following guidelines:

DO's
1. Completely fast for five hours prior to the examination (no eating and drink only water).
2. Schedule the examination in the early morning, if possible. You may be more relaxed and blood pressure readings should be at their lowest. The examination takes about 30 minutes.
3. Make a list of major illnesses, surgery, or injuries including dates, doctors, hospitals, addresses, and treatment to the extent known. Disclose everything, as omissions may impact insurability and premiums.
4. If currently taking medications, have the name and dosage available.
5. Have your drivers license available for identification.
6. Be able to void urine specimen (do it before the blood pressure readings as it may lower the reading).
7. Get a good night's sleep prior to the examination. It's routine so relax.

 

DON'TS
1. Caffeine.
   May affect blood pressure readings, so none the day of the exam.
2. Cholesterol.
   Readings are elevated by red meat, cheese, eggs and saturated fats. Watch your diet for the 24 hours before the exam.
3. Exercise
   Sometimes alters urine chemistry. Take it easy for the few days prior to the exam.
4. Nicotine
   Use elevates blood pressure by constricting artery walls. If you use, in any form, avoid for 24 hours (48 is better) prior to examination.
5. Stimulants
   Restrict stimulants such as alcohol and chocolate for at least 24 hours before examination to avoid the potential for temporary elevated blood pressure readings.
6. Salt
   Avoid salt for 3-4 days before the examination as it may lower your blood pressure reading.

Blood Draw Challenged

• Advise the examiner in advance
• Consider using vein of non-writing hand (hard to miss)

Hypertension

• Especially avoid stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes)
• Request a morning examination
• Ask that blood pressure be taken after you have relaxed — 3 attempts at 10 minute intervals
• Avoid salt for 3-4 days before the examination as avoidance may lower your blood pressure reading.

Diabetes

• Schedule examination 2 hours after a meal
• No sweets or foods with sugar content after the meal
• Empty bladder right after meals
• Take 2-3 glasses of water before the examination

Urinary Specimen Problems

• Empty bladder right after meals
• Take 2-3 glasses of water before the examination
• No sweets or foods with sugar content

Coronary, EKG Issues

• No stimulants