National Blood Donor Month
January is National Blood Donor Month. All month long, we celebrate the gift of those who give life-saving donations of blood. Blood donations are encouraged this month because after the holidays, blood donations tend to drop right as seasonal illnesses peak. If you are a heart patient, you might wonder how blood donation impacts you and how your heart condition impacts your ability to give blood.
What is blood donation?
When a person donates blood, they have blood drawn for the purpose of giving it to patients who are in need of either whole blood or the components in blood due to surgeries, injuries, or illnesses. Hospitals are always in need of blood to save the lives of patients or to aid in their recovery. It is an important part of treating patients with many different conditions.
How is donor blood used in cardiac patients?
One of the most common times for cardiac patients to need blood is after a surgery or when they have an injury that results in too much bleeding. Patients who take blood thinners should always be checked for internal bleeding after an accident or injury. Blood thinners affect the ability of blood to clot and can lead to excessive bleeding and the need for donor blood.
Preparation for open heart surgery is another situation in which a blood transfusion may be needed for patients with low levels of hemoglobin. In this case, open heart surgery may put extra stress on the body, and doctors may determine a blood transfusion is needed before proceeding with the surgery.
Can individuals with heart issues donate blood?
Whether or not a person with heart problems can donate blood depends on which heart issues they have. In general, many cardiac patients can give blood, but it’s always best to check with your primary care doctor or cardiologist to be sure. Those with high blood pressure can donate blood as long as it is well controlled with medication. It is also safe for most people who have arrhythmias to give blood, though certain medications may prevent donation.
There may be a waiting period of up to six months before donating blood after certain open heart surgeries or incidents, such as heart attack or angina. Those with conditions like heart failure are not candidates for blood donation, as a reduction in blood volume would be risky for their health. These rules protect both the donor and the recipients from harm during and after the donation process.
Are there any heart medications that would prevent someone from donating blood?
Several commonly prescribed heart medications make blood donation impossible. Anyone on blood thinners should not give blood, as these medications prevent the blood from clotting and can create a dangerous situation for the patient. Those who have recently discontinued use of blood thinners should wait seven days for the medication to clear their system before donating.
Most other medications used to treat heart disease do not prevent blood donation, including medications for blood pressure control. Always contact your doctor with questions about your safety regarding giving blood.
This January, take the time to learn more about blood donation and consider giving this gift by becoming a donor. To learn more, visit the Oklahoma Blood Institute website today.