Can I donate blood with high blood pressure?
What this means
- Controlled high blood pressure is generally not a barrier.
- Your reading must be under the center's limit on the day.
- Common blood pressure medications do not stop you from donating.
What to do next
Take your medication as usual, rest before the reading, and book.
When to call the center: Call if your blood pressure runs very high or is not yet controlled.
If you need to wait
Only deferred for that day if the reading is above the center's limit.
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
Centers check that your reading is safe for donation on the day.
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.
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