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Heart

Can I donate blood if I have cardiovascular disease?

Heart

A person donating blood, with a close-up view of the arm connected to the IV line, and the individual holding a stress ball in their hand.
If you have a heart condition and want to donate blood, consult your doctor first to see whether it is safe.

In the U.S., there is a constant need for healthy blood donations. Donations typically surge after a disaster, but patients with cancer, serious bleeding disorders, and surgeries may require recurrent infusions.

Someone needs blood every two seconds, according to Carter BloodCare, which supplies blood to North Texas communities. But America’s Blood Centers reports that just 3% of eligible donors in the U.S. give blood each year.

Many patients in our cardiovascular clinics ask whether they can donate blood to help mitigate this need. The answer is: It depends.

While many patients with heart disease can safely donate, your eligibility will depend on what condition you have, how you feel on donation day, and the medications you take. Qualifying to give blood is highly personalized, with good reason – your safety and the recipient’s health are both on the line.

If you have a cardiovascular condition, talk with your cardiologist or health care provider about whether it is safe for you to give blood. The American Red Cross has created specific criteria about who can donate blood and which types of donations are safe for individuals with certain conditions or medications.

Let’s talk through some of the common questions we hear from patients and how we advise them to give back to the community safely.

What are the types of blood donations?

There used to be a misperception that donating blood could reduce risks associated with cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure. While that has been proven false, there are many personal benefits to donating, such as helping sick neighbors get lifesaving treatment or saving someone’s life after an accident.

There are two general types of blood donation at most centers:

  • Platelets: These are the cells that help the blood clot. During donation, platelets are extracted from the rest of the blood, which is returned to the donor’s arm. Donating platelets takes about three hours.
  • Whole blood: Contains all the elements of blood, including plasma, white cells, red cells, and platelets. This is the most common type of blood donation, and blood is given a pint at the time (the amount in a classroom milk carton). Donating whole blood takes about an hour for most donors.

People with any blood type who meet eligibility requirements can donate platelets or whole blood. Blood types are determined by the combination of certain substances in the blood. Finding a match is key because giving someone the wrong type can cause a bad reaction and serious illness. So, every type is needed year-round.

The blood types are A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+, and AB-. The O- blood type is considered a universal donor and can be given to any patient at any time. O+ can be given to individuals with positive (+) red blood cells, which represents over 80% of the population. You don’t have to know your blood type before you donate – the blood center staff will check it at your appointment.

Who can safely donate blood?

Many people with heart conditions can safely donate whole blood and platelets. But it is important to check with your health care provider first to determine whether your condition and medications meet the safety criteria.

Man donating blood in medical setting
Be sure to ask about the medications you take before you donate blood.

Many patients with heart disease or a cardiovascular condition can donate if they meet these general criteria set by the Red Cross:

  • Have been cleared by their doctor to donate
  • Feel well, with no symptoms in the previous six months
  • No heart attack, bypass, angioplasty, or angina episodes in the previous six months
  • No changes in the disease that led to a medication change
  • Not taking specific medications within certain timeframes

Medications

Blood centers keep a list of medications, such as aspirin or blood thinners (anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications) such as warfarin, heparin, or clopidogrel that disqualify patients from donating blood. The American Red Cross has an extensive list, as does Carter BloodCare. Carefully review the list at your donation center or blood drive event. Be honest about your answers – donating inappropriately could put you or the recipient at risk of health complications.

Do not stop taking medications in order to donate – the risk of missing doses outweighs the potential feel-good benefit of giving blood.

High or low blood pressure

Patients who have high blood pressure and no other issues can safely donate blood if their blood pressure is controlled by medication. With high blood pressure, your blood pressure reading should be no more than 180/100 mmHg at the time of donation to qualify, and blood pressure medications do not affect eligibility.

If you have low blood pressure (hypotension), your blood pressure reading should be at least 90/50 mmHg at the time of donation to qualify.

Other common conditions

Talk with a health care provider or cardiologist before donating if you have one of these common cardiovascular diseases:

Woman clutching chest that has red area signifying pain
You should make sure not to aggravate any existing health problems.

Keep in mind that the organization through which you donate may have blood donation restrictions regarding age, height, weight, travel, and non-cardiovascular conditions such as sickle cell disease and recent surgeries. Blood donation centers enforce these rules to protect both the recipients and the donors.

After your donation, you’ll have a bandage on your arm, and the staff will guide you in how long to wear it. Stay at the blood center or event for at least 15 minutes to make sure you feel well. Enjoy the drinks and snacks they offer or bring your own – you’ve earned a treat, and it will help replenish your own blood supply.

Related reading: See a list of donation myths and truths from Carter BloodCare

Who should not donate blood?

People with blood diseases or disorders such as sickle cell disease, severe anemia, HIV/AIDS, or bleeding disorders such as hemophilia should not donate blood. The risk of becoming gravely ill due to personal blood loss or spreading a disease to a recipient is too high. But that doesn’t mean you can’t contribute – consider donating money to the blood bank, volunteering at a blood drive, or helping to spread the word about blood donation events.

If you have a heart condition, it is important to talk with your cardiologist or health care provider before you donate blood. Ask them to help you compare the benefits of donating with the risks of your condition. Donating blood is a great way to give back to the community, but only if you are not putting yourself at risk in the process.

To talk with a cardiologist, schedule an appointment by calling 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.