Experts at the 50th annual conference of the German Society for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology in Cologne recently pointed out just how healthy blood donation is. Donating blood can lower high blood pressure and reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease.
The effect is said to last up to six weeks
A study by the Charité hospital in Berlin showed that donating blood four times over a period of nine to twelve months has a positive effect on blood pressure. The upper value drops on average by 17 mmHg, the lower value by 11.7 mmHg. The effect is even said to last up to six weeks! Experts also believe that the body's cells are better able to fend off harmful attacks after "bloodletting". Incidentally, blood donors with normal blood pressure need not worry: this should remain largely constant.
Why should high blood pressure be treated?
Over time, the blood vessels calcify and the heart and kidneys suffer. What else helps to lower blood pressure: Exercise, a balanced diet, weight reduction if you are overweight and giving up smoking. Furthermore: the natural protein building block arginine (for example in Telcor Arginine plus, pharmacy). With its help, an important messenger substance is produced that widens the blood vessels and can protect against deposits. Current studies confirm its effectiveness.
Who can donate blood?
- Adults
- Body weight over 50 kg
- First-time donors up to their 65th birthday, multiple donors up to their 73rd birthday (depending on the doctor's decision)
- Women up to four times a year, men up to six times
- At least 56 days must elapse between two whole blood donations.