Eligibility
Can People with High Blood Pressure Donate Blood?
Controlled hypertension is usually not a barrier.
The screening-day test
If your BP measures within acceptable limits at screening (roughly ≤160/100 in common Indian practice), you can generally donate — including on stable medication.
What defers
Uncontrolled readings on the day, recent medication changes, or hypertension with heart/kidney complications. It's a today-decision, not a diagnosis-decision.
Donation-day tips
Take your usual morning dose, avoid caffeine right before screening, and rest five minutes before the cuff — many 'high' readings are just the walk upstairs.
Frequently asked questions
Do BP medicines contaminate donated blood?
Common antihypertensives are not a transfusion concern; the checks protect the donor.
I was deferred once for BP — try again?
Yes; a controlled reading on another day usually clears you.