When you donate blood, you are looking out for the health of your community. However, it’s also important to make sure your own health is taken care of during your donation process.

Before every blood donation, a health screening is required to make sure you are in good health and eligible to donate. This wellness checkup includes temperature, pulse, blood pressure, cholesterol, and hemoglobin level checks.

A health summary with the history of your results is available in your donor portal. Keeping track of the trends in your health stats, including blood pressure, can help you monitor your health and catch any potential issues early.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (or hypertension) is a condition in which your blood flows through your arteries with higher than normal pressure.

Your blood pressure can change throughout the day, but a normal level is less than 120/80 mm Hg (less than 120 systolic pressure and less than 80 diastolic pressure). Blood pressure that is above 130/80 mm Hg is considered high blood pressure. Anything higher than 180/120 mm Hg is too high and you should contact your medical provider right away.

What causes high blood pressure?

The causes of high blood pressure include age, family history, being overweight, not getting enough quality sleep or physical activity, high-stress situations, and eating foods high in salt and low in potassium.

It is also more common in African American adults than Caucasian adults and other minorities. Middle-aged men are also more likely to have high blood pressure than middle-aged women.

Half of Americans have hypertension and many don’t even know it. It doesn’t usually have signs or cause symptoms until other serious health problems arise, like a stroke or heart attack, chronic kidney disease, eye damage, or an aneurysm.

That’s why it is so important to check your blood pressure regularly. A blood pressure reading is included in your wellness checkup every time you donate blood. Schedule your next donation now.

How can you lower high blood pressure?

Always work with your healthcare provider to determine the best way to lower and control your high blood pressure.

That treatment plan may include a heart-healthy lifestyle change, including choosing foods with less salt, limiting alcohol, getting regular physical activity, and managing stress. In addition, your provider might also recommend blood pressure medication.

Can I donate blood if I have high blood pressure?

Yes, it is safe for most people to donate blood with high blood pressure. As long as you feel well and your blood pressure at the time of donation is below 180/100 mm Hg you can donate blood. Taking medication to control high blood pressure does not prevent you from donating blood.

Come in to donate today! You’ll be keeping track of your health while sharing your power to save the lives of others. Donate blood near you.