I'm going to try to give blood tomorrow. Last time I tried, they sent me away because they got an "irregular pulse." How this affects the quality of my blood, I don't know. Is there any way for me to have a normal pulse tomorrow?
And yes, I already fit the requirements in terms of weight, HIV negative, and so on. The only problem is my pulse.
2007-10-28 10:20:49 · 4 answers · asked by Kelsey H 6 in Health ➔ Other - Health
They didn't say anything about me having a heart problem. I'm only 19.
2007-10-28 10:42:00 · update #1
Kelsey, the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) regulates blood donation as blood is considered a drug. One of their many guidelines is that you must have a regular pulse.
Your pulse does not affect the quality of your blood, but an irregular pulse rate can be a symptom of underlying disease or drug use.
But, you say, I don't use drugs and I don't have any health problems! The blood institute doesn't know that. All they know is that you have an irregular pulse and it could endanger you if you donate blood.
But, you say, won't they screen my blood for diseases and drugs? Yes--but this will happen after you donate. It isn't the blood institute's responsibility to evaluate and diagnose you for possible health problems. Hopefully your screener recommended that you see your physician regarding this irregular pulse. If he/she didn't, you may want to.
Even if it is normal for your pulse to be irregular occasionally, the "shock" of donating blood can make that irregular pulse worse--i.e., you could go into cardiac arrest.
The bottom line in this situation is: irregular pulse + blood donation = possible cardiac arrest. The blood institute doesn't want to risk that if there is even the smallest chance it could happen.
Good luck donating blood tomorrow!
2007-10-28 11:01:04 · answer #1 · answered by july 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you might have been nervous. A high or irregular pulse might be an indication of a health problem (high blood pressure, etc). The blood bank won't take blood from you if you have a fever, high pulse or whatnot. Try relaxing before.
2007-10-28 17:24:53 · answer #2 · answered by raeoflight25 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When they found the irregular pulse, they were afraid to let you donate because it might mean some huge problems for you.
I can't give you any sure-fire cures, but if you've seen a doctor about it he might be able to give you medicine for your heart.
Good luck!
2007-10-28 17:36:00 · answer #3 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just try and stay calm before you go
good luck
2007-10-28 17:29:26 · answer #4 · answered by kj 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋