Why can’t people with hypertension or even those that have elevated blood pressure donate blood? Doesn’t the reduction in blood volume in the body decrease blood pressure, why’s that bad or dangerous?

Question

Blood drives always take blood pressure and then turn away those whose blood pressure doesn’t lower after a period of rest, why?

In:

Answer 1

You have to be generally healthy. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is not healthy, as you’re at risk for heart attacks, strokes, etc. You CAN donate if your high blood pressure is controlled by medication. [Here](https://hoxworth.org/donors/eligibility.html) is the eligibility requirements to donate for Hoxworth, who handles most Cincinnati area blood donations, etc.