Blood Donation and Heart Disease

Many people wrongly believe that if you have heart disease you cannot donate blood. In fact, not only can you donate, but many doctors would encourage you to do so!

Giving blood has proven health benefits for the giver as well as the receiver. Donating blood can be good for your heart.

During blood donation visits you get a free wellness checkup which includes:

• Your Blood pressure reading
• Your Pulse
• Temperature check
• Iron Count
• Cholesterol reading

Giving blood can help reduce risk of heart attack as well as potentially help discover underlying conditions during the wellness check. Donating blood regularly can help with blood flow resulting in fewer arterial blockages. From studies conducted it has shown that donating at least three times per year can drastically reduce their risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

Donating can even help keep your iron level balanced. An excess of iron can contribute to hardening arteries. When you donate that level goes down and gives your body a chance to restock naturally.

Having heat disease does not mean that there is anything at all wrong with your blood. It just means that your heart has been overworked and worn down throughout the course of your life. According to the American Red Cross you can donate provided you meet their criteria and your cardiologist has not said you need to restrict activity.

If you have had angina, a heart attack, bypass surgery, or an angioplasty you should wait 6 months before donating.

The other factor that could rule you out would be your blood pressure. If it is too high 180/100 or very low 80/50. Taking blood pressure medication does not exclude you. The only exception is anti clotting drugs because your blood will not clot normally.

If you have any question talk with your cardiologist before donating.
We would love to see you in our office here in Tampa, Florida.
www.tampacardio.com
813-975-2800