Donating blood is not precluded in the case of heart disease: in many cases it can be done insecurity, with some foresight.
The American Heart Association (Aha) highlights this.
According to the US National Institutes of Health, people with a cold or flu cannot donate blood until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.
There are other limitations in case of Covid-19 and other pathologies.
But AHA experts point out that people who have heart disease can be considered for donating blood.
Most people who have high blood pressure or hypertension can donate blood and do so if their systolic blood pressure is less than 180 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure is 100 mmHg at the time of donation.
A wait of six months or more is recommended for those who have had a heart attack, a recent episode of angina, bypass surgery or angioplasty, or if a change in heart condition has led to a change in medication.
People who use anticoagulants or other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs must instead disclose all the drugs they take during health screenings because donating blood can be harmful for them, as well as for the recipients.
In general, it is a good idea for anyone with heart problems to consult their healthcare team.
Dr. Tochi Okwuosa, cardiologist and director of the cardio-oncology program at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, then points out that, as a general rule, people with a low hemoglobin value should not donate blood.
This is because hemoglobin determines the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
And donors may run the risk of not enough oxygen being transported to their tissues and organs.
People with heart problems may also feel more fatigued or breathless after donating blood, or if they take diuretics, they may become more dehydrated and prone to fainting.
But donating blood should be much less complex for those with well-controlled high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
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