How Low Can You Go
With all the focus on hypertension, it can be hard to remember that low blood pressure can be a problem, too. As a rule, the fitter you are, the lower your blood pressure. As long as you feel fine, a blood pressure as low as 100 over 60 is OK.
However, seriously low blood pressure can cause:
- Light-headedness .
- Breathlessness.
- Palpitations.
Some medical conditions that make your heart go too fast or too slowly can cause low blood pressure, as can some hormone disorders and, in the short term, so can blood loss or being very dehydrated. Fortunately, low blood pressure itself rarely causes serious problems.
Benefits Of Donating Blood: Reduced Systolic Blood Pressure And Lower Risks For Heart Disease And Diabetes
The historic practice of bloodletting had little effect on most diseases and the practice was eventually abandoned in the 19th century. In a study published in the journal BMC Medicine researchers report that modern bloodletting, or blood donations, actually confer a range of positive health benefits in people with metabolic syndrome. Donating blood only twice is enough to significantly improve blood pressure levels while reducing a number of markers of cardiovascular disease.
Metabolic syndrome refers to a collection of symptoms linked to the development of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Symptoms of the condition, also referred to as insulin resistance, include insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Metabolic syndrome affects more than one in five Americans.
Since it is known that accumulation of iron in the body is also associated with hypertension and diabetes, researchers from Berlin and University Duisburg-Essen randomly assigned patients with metabolic syndrome into two groups one undergoing iron reduction by phlebotomy and the other serving as controls.
Can I Give Blood
Sometimes it is not possible to give blood, or we may ask you to wait before donating again. To save you a wasted journey, please read this list of the most common reasons people cannot give blood.
If you have a medical condition, or a question about whether you can give blood, you should check the health & eligibility and travel section before you book an appointment.
If you need to cancel your appointment please give us 3 days’ notice so that we can offer the space to another donor. You can easily cancel or reschedule by signing in to your online account or using the NHS Give Blood app.
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Walk Daily To Harden Weak Erections
Of course, the easiest way to improve your BP and thus your erections is to just walk around!
Especially as you get older, walking becomes the ideal exercise.
A study on 23 volunteers over 60 was done, where they measured baseline BP and then had half the group walk and the other half just continue as normal.
As predicted, the exercise group saw a significant improvement in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
The thing is, they only had the participants walk for 30 minutes a day!
A study on men over 70 found a similar result, and they only walked for 20 minutes a day.
Finally, you should also consider taking pine pollen to reduce blood pressure.
Possible Causes Of Resistant Hypertension
Resistant hypertension may have one or more other underlying medical conditions. In addition to treating resistant hypertension with medications, doctors typically investigate secondary causes , such as:
- Abnormalities in the hormones that control blood pressure.
- The accumulation of artery-clogging plaque in blood vessels that nourish the kidneys, a condition called renal artery stenosis.
- Sleep problems, such as the breath-holding type of snoring known as obstructive sleep apnea.
- Obesity or heavy intake of alcohol or other substances that can interfere with blood pressure.
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Why Is High Blood Pressure A Problem
Our blood pressure naturally goes up and down during the day, depending on what we’re doing, how much stress we’re under etc. Making your heart pump faster increases your blood pressure. Although regular exercise brings blood pressure down by making your heart stronger.
Consistently high blood pressure increases your chance of a stroke or heart attack. That’s why it’s so important to get your blood pressure checked regularly to go back for regular check-ups if you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure and to take the treatment you’re prescribed every single day. This will cut your risk of stroke dramatically.
High Blood Pressure And Dental Procedures
When dentists consider the ways that procedures can impact blood pressure, it is easy to see why it is so important for dentists to monitor the blood pressure of their patients at the start of every visit. Above all else, it is a great service to provide to the patient because there are many correlations between your oral health and cardiovascular health.
There are also many serious medical conditions that can first be detected in your mouth. As a health care provider, we care about more than just your oral health. We want to see you be healthy overall, and we take every precaution to ensure that our patients are cared for appropriately. If you have any questions about oral health and blood pressure, request an appointment with us today. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!
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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
What Causes High Blood Pressure
As we get older, our arteries become stiffer and less flexible. This increases the risk of high blood pressure, especially in the upper reading. Whether your blood pressure is high enough to need treatment or not, it’s worth taking steps to prevent it rising too much. Simple changes can cut your risks dramatically.
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Blood Pressure Drugs And Weak Erections
To treat high blood pressure, doctors generally turn to two drugs: diuretics or beta-blockers.
Neither is good news for your erections.
Diuretics, or water pills as theyre often called, work by making your kidneys remove sodium and water from your body, which relaxes the arteries and thus, lowers blood pressure.
However, a common side effect is, erectile dysfunction.
These drugs often make it more difficult to get blood into your penis by decreasing blood flow.
They also decrease how much zinc you have in your system, which is critical to your erection health.
Beta-blockers work on your hormones to lower your heart beat. Epinephrine speeds up your heart beat, and is manufactured by your body in case you need to run away from a lion.
Unfortunately, the nervous system pathways epinephrine travels along and that beta-blockers block are the same pathways that your brain uses to tell your wood to stand at attention.
So while youve got lower blood pressure, your sex life is definitely going to suffer.
Luckily, there are many ways you can lower blood pressure that will only have positive side effects on your erections
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:
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A Healthier Heart And Vascular System
Regular blood donation is linked to lower blood pressure and a lower risk for heart attacks. It definitely helps to reduce cardiovascular risk factors, says Dr. DeSimone.
Whats the connection? If your hemoglobin is too high, blood donation helps to lower the viscosity of the blood, which has been associated with the formation of blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke, Dr. DeSimone says. Interestingly, these benefits are more significant in men compared to women. We think maybe its because women have menstrual cycles, so they do it naturally without donating blood.
People with a condition called hereditary hemochromatosis must have blood removed regularly to prevent the buildup of iron. Fortunately, this blood can benefit others.
These are essentially healthy patients who are otherwise normal, but they have a gene mutation where they make too much blood, and they make too much normal blood, Dr. Vossoughi says. So we can use that blood.
The New York Blood Center Hereditary Hemochromatosis Program allows people with hemochromatosis to donate blood rather than have it removed and thrown away. Instead of having to go to a clinic or go to one of our phlebotomy centers every few months to reduce their blood volume, they can go to any local blood drive, Dr. Vossoughi says. That blood will then be used for somebody who needs it.
Dr. Sarah Vossoughi
What Figures Mean My Blood Pressure Is High
If you’re otherwise healthy, your blood pressure is considered to be high enough to need treatment if the upper figure is above 160/100 – or if the average of many readings is above 150/95 . The aim of treatment is to get the upper figure below 140/90 . If you have other conditions like diabetes or kidney problems, the targets may be lower still .
Until very recently in the USA, hypertension was defined as 140/90 or higher. But now, high blood pressure will be diagnosed if the reading is 130/80 or higher. That takes the number of Americans in the ‘high blood pressure’ category from just over 1 in 3 to almost 1 in 2.
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How Do Blood Donations Impact Your Heart
OneBlood Medical Director, Dr. Richard Gammon, M.D., writes There have been studies published that show blood donors enjoy better health and blood donation reduces blood pressure and cholesterol .
High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the leading risks for heart attacks and there is evidence that regular blood donations may be beneficial. Being a regular donor may help with blood flow and reduce arterial blockages.
High iron stores can increase a persons risk of heart attacks. When you give blood it depletes your iron stores and helps your body to create new blood. About 500ml of whole blood is taken during each blood donation, which removes 225-250 mg of iron.
Find Out If You Can Donate Blood If You Have Hypertension
Written by Mansi Kohli | Updated : June 2, 2017 1:24 PM IST
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 and below 100 diastolic 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:
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High Blood Pressure And Weak Erections Conclusion:
High blood pressure doesnt need to spell the end of your sex life.
With some simple diet tweaks and a little more exercise, you can get off the meds and still keep your BP under control, and even give a boost to your erections while youre at it.
Of course, the best possible cure for high blood pressure is being healthy in general, especially about your weight.
If you can control your weight as you get older, your heart, arteries, wood, and wife are all going to thank you for it.
Pros And Cons Of Automated Blood Pressure Testing Machine
Automated blood pressure testing machines are extremely easy to use, minimize human error and is good for people with hearing loss. Most of these units are very portable and the design of the cuff makes it ideal for one-handed application. Some of the more expensive automated machines also have automatic inflation and deflation systems, have a built-in pulse measurement , and gives large, easy-to-read digital display.
The disadvantages of using an automated blood pressure testing machine are that you dont really understand the way the machine works, the machines are fragile and also sensitive. Before you start maintaining your log, it is necessary that you check the accuracy of your device by comparing it with your doctors manual blood pressure machine. It has also been said that many of these automated blood pressure devices give varying results for many individuals. Body movements also impact the accuracy of blood pressure readings. Automated blood pressure testing monitors also tend to be expensive and may require factory repair and readjustment when a fault occurs with the machine.
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Managing Blood Pressure And Cholesterol Levels
Certain lifestyle changes can have a big impact on lowering both blood pressure and cholesterol. In many cases, however, lifestyle changes are not enough to bring numbers down, and medications are needed.
Living an active lifestyle can help keep blood pressure and cholesterol numbers in control. The American Heart Association recommends getting at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise, like walking, biking, or swimming, on a weekly basis.
Who Can Give Blood
In addition to registration, there is a short mini-physical involved with any blood donation. This is to ensure the person meets the requirements to give blood. These requirements vary depending on which type of donation you wish to pursue . Most people give whole blood, so we will refer to whole blood donation requirements when answering the questions below.
At a minimum, a person needs to be in good general health and feeling well to donate blood. They must also be at least 17 years old . Marisa Munafo, BSN, R.N., Education Specialist at Firelands Regional Medical Center, organizes the blood drives for the organization. Below, she’ll give more details to the question: who can give blood?
Now that we’ve covered many of the eligibility requirements to donate blood let’s answer other questions, such as how long it takes to donate blood and where to give it near you.
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Comparison To Us Population At Large
Muntner et al. analyzed blood pressure data from the 2011 to 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and weighted the results to generate US population estimates . We compared the blood pressure data of the blood donors to the US population at large . Figure 1A,B,C compare the percentages of hypertension between the various subgroups of blood donors and their population counterparts.
The Relationship Between High Cholesterol And High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure and high cholesterol both damage the inner lining of blood vessels, known as the endothelium.
Over time, endothelial damage contributes to the buildup of cholesterol plaques and inflammatory cells in the blood vessels throughout the body, known as atherosclerosis.
Endothelial damage also results in improper regulation of blood vessel dilation. The result is stiffened, narrowed arteries that do not respond the way they should.
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Using An Automated Blood Pressure Testing Machine
Using an automated blood pressure testing machine is one of the easiest and most popular ways of measuring your own blood pressure at home. Automated blood pressure testing machines are very easy to use and they are also helpful for people who have a hearing impairment. These machines use an automatic blood pressure cuff. Such types of automated blood pressure machines have a digital monitor that display your blood pressure readings on the screen. These machines can be easily purchased online, at drugstores, grocery stores, or even at health food stores. Some stores can even call automated blood pressure machines as electronic or digital blood pressure monitors.
Automated blood pressure testing monitors usually have a microphone that detects the blood pulsating in the artery. The automated pressure cuff wraps around your upper arm and automatically inflates once your press the start button. There are some automated blood pressure machines that are used on the wrist, but these are not thought to be as reliable as the ones that use the arm cuffs. Wrist monitors should only be used by people who, for some physical reasons, cannot use the automated arm cuffs. Automated blood pressure testing devices that use finger monitors are better avoided and doctors do not recommend using these devices. Even the American Heart Association recommends people to use an automatic, upper arm blood pressure monitor for using at home.