Reduces Iron Levels For Those With Hemochromatosis
The body needs iron to produce red blood cells. However, around 1 million people in the U.S. have type 1 hereditary hemochromatosis. People with this and other types of hemochromatosis have too much iron in their blood.
The excess iron can deposit into different organs of the body, such as the liver and heart, and affect the way those organs function.
According to a 2003 article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , people with hemochromatosis can benefit from phlebotomy, which is a similar process to donating blood.
People with this condition are allowed to donate blood. In other words, for those with hemochromatosis, donating blood can be a treatment option as well as a way of helping others.
Not all agencies allow donations from people with this condition, but many use their blood in the general donation pool.
Why Are There Often Blood Shortages
Most blood centers strive to maintain an optimum inventory level of a three-day supply. Due to unpredictable demands, the inventory often fluctuates hourly. When the blood supply drops below a three-day level, blood centers begin alerting local donors to increase the inventory to a safe operating level.
You Got A Tattoo Or Piercing
These giving blood restrictions pop up on a lot of lists as being some of the more surprising reasons you might not be able to give blood. The concern behind tattoos, piercings, and even intravenous drug use, is that the instruments and needles used in these practices may spread hepatitis.
For tattoos, you wont be asked to defer your blood donation so long as you live in a state that regulates its tattoo facilities. If you dont live in a state that regulates these facilities then you should wait 3 months before donating blood.
For piercings, you wont be asked to defer your blood donation so long as the piercing was conducted using single-use equipment. If the piercing was made using reusable equipment then you will be asked to wait 3 months before donating.
Read Also: Claritan Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure Vs Low Blood Pressure
Risk of both low blood pressure and high blood pressure normally increases with age due in part to normal changes during aging. Here are how low and high blood pressure stack up.
High Blood Pressure
Frequently, there are no high blood pressure symptoms as blood pressure increases. Some warning signs for very high blood pressure, however, can include:
- chest pains
- vision changes
Here are some more alarming facts about high blood pressure and high blood pressure symptoms:
Low Blood Pressure
How can you tell if you have low blood pressure, high blood pressure or normal blood pressure?
- Low blood pressure or hypotension: Less than 90/60
- Normal: Less than 120/80
- Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140159/9099
- Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above/100 and above
Here are some stats on low blood pressure:
As long as you dont experience symptoms of low blood pressure, there is no need for concern. Most doctors consider chronically low blood pressure dangerous only if it causes noticeable signs and symptoms, such as:
- dizziness or lightheadedness
Complete Care And Our Patients Thank You For Donating Blood
Complete Care and our patients thank you for donating blood! Like all emergency rooms, Complete Care relies on donated blood to help save the lives of our patients. Just one donation can help save up to three lives! Blood cells, platelets, plasma its all useful and potentially life-saving. Find a local blood drive near you and schedule a date to donate today. And thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!
If you find yourself feeling especially ill after a blood donation, Complete Care is here to help. We are open 24/7 and welcome walk-ins. We are here for any of your health concerns. Visit your nearest Complete Care location today for quick, efficient, patient-centered care today.
More Helpful Articles by Complete Care:
Don’t Miss: How Does Alcohol Increase Blood Pressure Mechanism
Who Can Safely Donate Blood
The term heart disease encompasses a wide variety of conditions arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, angina, heart failure, and more though when most people hear the words heart disease, they think of narrowing arteries and heart attacks.
In general, it is safe for many individuals with heart conditions to donate blood but it is important to check with your physician first. Your doctor can help you determine whether your condition allows you to safely donate.
Patients who have high blood pressure and no other issues can safely donate blood if their blood pressure is controlled by medication. Patients with arrhythmias can usually donate blood, though certain medications such as warfarin could make them ineligible.
Keep in mind that the organization through which you donate may have blood donation restrictions that affect people with heart issues. Blood donation centers enforce these rules to protect both the recipients and the donors.
The Red Cross, for instance, will accept blood donations from people who have had bypass surgery, angioplasty, or a heart attack, but only if its been at least six months since the incident and the patients medications have remained the same during those six months. Similarly, for patients who have angina, the Red Cross requires that six months lapse after an episode before donation is allowed.
A Free Health Screening
By going to donate blood, you are getting a mini-physical, says Dr. DeSimone.
Before you are allowed to donate, your vital signs will be checked to make sure you are fit enough for the procedure. This exam might turn up a condition that needs medical attention, such as high blood pressure or a heart arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation. In addition, youll be screened for infectious diseases you may be unaware of.
If we detect an issue with your vital signs or another health issue, we would direct you to go to a physician at that point to be checked, Dr. DeSimone says.
The health screening will also reveal if you have a rare blood type. This information can be useful if you ever face surgery or another medical situation in which a transfusion may be required. Plus, youll have the satisfaction of knowing your donation is particularly needed.
Dr. Robert A. DeSimone
Read Also: Apple Watch 2 Blood Pressure
Does Donated Blood Stay On The Shelf Indefinitely Until It Is Used
No. Each unit of whole blood is separated into several components. Red blood cells may be stored under refrigeration for a maximum of 42 days, or frozen for up to 10 years. Platelets are stored at room temperature and may be kept for a maximum of five to seven days. Fresh frozen plasma is kept in a stored frozen state for up to one year. Cryoprecipitated AHF is stored frozen for up to one year. Granulocytes must be transfused within 24 hours of donation.
Other products manufactured from blood include albumin, immune globulin, specific immune globulins, and clotting factor concentrates. Commercial manufacturers commonly produce these blood products.
Where Is Blood Donated
There are many places where blood donations can be made. Bloodmobiles travel to many locations, making it easy for people to donate blood. Many people donate at blood drives at their places of work or at high schools, colleges, churches and other community organizations. People also can donate at community blood centers and hospital-based donor centers. You may use the online Locator or consult the yellow pages to locate a nearby blood center or hospital to donate.
You May Like: Claritin And Blood Pressure
The Surprising Benefits Of Donating Blood
Every two seconds, someone in the United States requires a blood transfusion, according to the American Red Cross. This year, however, the United States is facing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade, the Red Cross says.
Donating blood saves lives, says Robert DeSimone, MD, director of transfusion medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, who is encouraging people to do their part and make an appointment to donate.
For as long as medicine has been around, weve had to rely on the goodness of other people to give us blood when we need it, says Sarah Vossoughi, MD, the medical director of apheresis and associate director of transfusion medicine and cellular therapy at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. We really need people who want to come and donate. The fact that we can store blood and use it when we need it in partswhether you need the red cells, the plasma, or the plateletshas been a huge medical advance.
While blood donors dont expect to be rewarded for the act of kindness, rolling up your sleeve comes with some surprising health benefits. Heres what you get when you give blood:
Can I Donate Blood If I Have Heart Disease
About a dozen years ago, there was a theory that giving blood could reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering iron levels in the blood and diminishing the buildup of plaque in coronary arteries. These days, most cardiologists reject that theory.
But donating blood is still a good thing to do from a charitable standpoint. Carter BloodCare, which supplies blood to North Texas communities, says it needs 1,100 donors per day to meet the demand. Though people often rush to donate blood after a disaster, the need for blood donations from healthy donors is continual.
My patients often ask me, As a heart disease patient, am I a healthy donor who can safely donate blood?
The answer: It depends.
Don’t Miss: Side Effects Of Blood Pressure
What Can I Do To Reduce High Blood Pressure
The reason why we chose it as a target is because its territory is close to the cliff, and on the other hand, because of the monster lord in its surrounding territory. In fact, most half-dragon people don t know what Holy Lord is, But the power of the mind imposed on the soul made can you give blood with high blood pressure their responses unexpectedly consistent.
However, some changes have also occurred on the Wizarding Continent: the red sun has fallen, blood pressure medicine vistolin and it has never risen again.
Needless to say, the value of the magic core is the most precious thing, Its eyes can be made into some special witch tools and even lower blood pressure medication souls. Even if his strength is not can you give blood with high blood pressure as good as Ren s, there are many ninth-order law wizards among his people.
Thinking for a few seconds, Tinuvel replied: It will symptoms associated with high blood pressure appear on the throne at sunset and disappear at sunrise.
After just two seconds, his face became blood red, and white mist emerged from his body. Ren looked at the flickering runes and spoke softly, His words made the faces of the three people can you give blood with high blood pressure can you give blood with high blood pressure on the opposite side startled, and the two female elves showed differences.
Four wizards entered first, followed by nifedipine conversion to amlodipine many other wizards, In fact, Ren understands the plot of these wizards.
Benefits For The Donor
For many people, blood donation offers many health benefits with few risks. The strict regulation of blood banks means that a donor can give their blood or plasma safely in the United States.
Donated blood can save the lives of people in need. However, according to some medical professionals, it may also benefit the donor.
The sections below will look at some benefits for the donor in more detail.
You May Like: Medicine To Lower Blood Pressure
Can I Give Blood After Having Coronavirus Or The Vaccine
Yes, but if you have had COVID-19 please read our full coronavirus guidance for rules on attending a session before making an appointment to donate.
If you have had a coronavirus vaccine as part of the UK vaccination programme, please wait 7 full days after having the vaccine before coming to give blood on the 8th day.
Regardless Of Diabetes You Absolutely Cannot Donate If
- You are sick with a cold, flu, infection, etc.
- You have low iron levels
- Youve gotten a tattoo within the past year
- You weigh less than 110 pounds
- You are under 17 years old
- You have ever used recreational intravenous drugs or steroids
- Youve received a new piercing on your body within the past year
- You have cancer
- Youve given birth within the last 6 weeks
- Youre being treated for postpartum medical issues
- Youve received a blood transfusion within 1 year
- Youve undergone surgery recently
- You have HIV/Aids
Don’t Miss: Can Apple Watch Tell Your Blood Pressure
Can I Donate If
For whole-blood donation, you can make an appointment using our simple on-line form. If you have any other questions or concerns regarding donation, call the NIH Blood Bank at 496-1048. We can also answer many of your questions via email at .
Below, you will find a list of questions donors frequently ask. The eligibility criteria for donation at the National Institutes of Health Department of Transfusion Medicine reflects local NIH policy as well as national regulations. Although all blood banks are required to follow general federal regulations, specific criteria may vary, depending on each blood bank’s internal policies. If you are donating at a blood bank other than the NIH Blood Bank, contact that bank with any questions regarding your eligibility.
Can I donate if …
Can I donate if I am taking aspirin? You cannot donate platelets if you have taken aspirin in the last 48 hours.
Can I donate if I am 16 years old? You must be at least 17 years old to donate at the NIH Blood Bank or Donor Center at Fishers Lane.
Can I donate if I am 70 years old? There is no upper age limit for donation.
Can I donate if I have traveled to other countries? There is a slight risk of exposure to infectious agents outside the United States that could cause serious disease. Donor deferral criteria for travel outside the US are designed to prevent the transmission of three specific organisms from donor to recipient:
High Blood Pressure Symptoms You Can Reverse Naturally
What if I told you that a health condition affects about 72 million or one out of every three American adults under old guidelines? And what if I told you that under new guidelines, that number will rise to about 103 Americans? Im talking about a highly common, yet preventable, condition called high blood pressure, also known as hypertension which is why you need to pay attention if you have high blood pressure symptoms.
High blood pressure isnt just a problem in and of itself, but it also leads to other dangerous health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, chronic heart failure and kidney disease.
Did you know that most people with high blood pressure or hypertension have no symptoms, even when their blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels? In fact, about many U.S. adults with high blood pressure still doesnt know they have it. Scary, I know.
The good news is that even mainstream medicine will agree with me when I say that diet and exercise are the most important tools for preventing and treating high blood pressure naturally and successfully.
Don’t Miss: High Blood Pressure And Shaking
What Does Hematocrit Mean
Hematocrit is the percentage by volume of red cells in your blood. Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, suspended in plasma. Together, those comprise about 45% of the volume of our blood, but the specific percentages of each can vary.
What Is a Hematocrit Level?
Hematocrit level is simply the percentage of red cells in your blood. For example, a level of 38% is considered the minimum needed for donating blood.
What Is Normal Hematocrit?
Normal hematocrit levels vary based on age and race.. In adults, normal levels for men range from 41%-50%. For women, the normal range is slightly lower: 36%-44%. A hematocrit level below the normal range, meaning the person has too few red blood cells, is called anemia. A hematocrit level above the normal range, meaning too many red blood cells, may indicate polycythemia or erythrocytosis.
Why Should You Test Hematocrit Levels?
Your doctor may test your hematocrit levels if you show signs of having anemia, polycythemia or erythrocytosis. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness. Symptoms of polycythemia include fatigue, itching, headaches, and sweating. Symptoms of erythrocytosis includes headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds.
What Is the Difference Between Hematocrit and Hemoglobin
Hematocrit and hemoglobin measurements are both blood tests but they are not testing the same thing.
Hematocrit
Your Iron Levels Are Too Low
Hemoglobin, a protein found in your red blood cells plays an essential role in transporting oxygen to your bodys organs and tissues and back to your lungs. Hemoglobin also contains much of your bodys iron. So when someone says that your iron levels are too low, that is actually a misleading way of stating that your hemoglobin levels are too low for you to safely donate blood.
Hemoglobin levels are measured in grams per deciliter. In their eligibility requirements list The American Red Cross states that:
In order to donate blood, a woman must have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dL, and a man must have a hemoglobin level of at least 13.0 g/dL. For all donors, the hemoglobin level can be no greater than 20 g/dL.
If youve had trouble giving blood in the past due to low iron/hemoglobin levels, you can combat these deficiencies by eating iron-rich foods, especially meat and animal products . If you are vegetarian, breads and pastas, beans, peanuts, lentils, tofu, and eggs are also good sources of iron, although your body cannot absorb the iron they contain as easily.
Recommended Reading: Does Claritin Affect Blood Pressure