Can you donate blood if you have hypertension?

Find out if you can donate blood if you have hypertension.

Hypertension, better known as High Blood Pressure, is when the force of blood passing through the blood vessel is routinely high. Here are some blood pressure numbers we all must know of:

• 120/80 Normal blood pressure
• 139/89 Pre-hypertension
• 140/90 High blood pressure A.K.A. hypertension stage

DrAmbannaGowda, diabetologist and Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospitals, Bangalore says that a person with hypertension can donate blood, as long as the blood pressure is normal at the time of blood donation and there s no fluctuation. Acceptable blood pressure rate for blood donation is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic (second number) at the time ofdonation. Even though, the donor is on regular medications, one must understand that medications for high blood pressure do not disqualify you fromdonating blood. Provided, you don t have side effects related to your medication.Also, the person shouldn t be suffering from other co-morbid diseases associated with hypertension. People who have fluctuating blood pressure with irregular treatment must stay away from donating. Read more about 7 ways to control hypertension without medicines

Things a hypertension patient needs to take care of before donating blood:

• Make sure you ve had enough sleep
• Eat a healthy meal
• Drink sufficient water

Things a hypertension patient needs to take care of after donating blood:

• Consuming more fluids, both before and after donation is important
• Take in iron-rich foods
• Do not carry heavy weights or do any vigorous exercise(s)
• If you feel weak, just lie down until you feel better

All in all, to give blood for transfusion to another person, you must be healthy, be at least 18 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not have donated blood in the last 56 days. Read here Hypertension can put you at increased risk of stroke

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