Can I donate blood if I have heart disease?
What this means
- Stable heart conditions with no recent events may be eligible.
- A recent cardiac event or surgery commonly means waiting, often around six months.
- Your clinician's input matters here.
What to do next
Confirm with your clinician that donation is safe, then call the center.
When to call the center: Always call before scheduling if you have a heart condition.
If you need to wait
Often about six months after a heart attack, stroke, or cardiac procedure.
Exact timing is confirmed by the center. Set a reminder so you do not have to track it.
Set a return reminderWhy this rule exists
Donation puts a brief demand on your circulation, so centers confirm it is safe for you.
This is general educational guidance, not a final eligibility decision. Donation centers make final eligibility decisions during confidential screening. Rules may vary by center, donation type, location, and current policy.
Were you already turned away for this reason? See the comeback plan
Find a place to donate
Search by city, ZIP, state, or center name, or use your location to see the closest centers.
Related questions
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Read the full pledgeSources and review
The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.
- American Red Cross
- AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Blood Donation
- Canadian Blood Services
- Last reviewed:
- Next review due:
- Reviewed by:
- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
- Confidence:
- High confidence