High blood pressure is the most common condition among Indian adults — and controlled hypertension does not stop you from donating. In fact, many of our most reliable repeat donors take a BP tablet every morning.
The reading at screening
Your BP is checked before every donation. The usual acceptance band is around 140/90 mmHg or below. Two things matter:
- Controlled is controlled. It does not matter whether your 128/82 comes from lifestyle or from a daily amlodipine tablet. Stable and within range means you donate.
- The day’s reading decides. If you ran out of tablets, slept badly, or are anxious, the reading may be higher — you will be asked to rest and rechecked, or to come back another day.
When hypertension defers you
- Uncontrolled readings (consistently above the band) — temporary deferral until your doctor gets it down
- Hypertension with complications — heart, kidney or vessel damage needs a doctor’s assessment before donation
- A recent change in medicines — mention it; most are fine, the staff confirm
Low BP
Roughly below 90/60, especially with dizziness, can defer you — donation nudges BP down a little more, and nobody wants you fainting on the way home. Eat, hydrate, and try on a better day.
The honest footnote
Do not skip your BP tablet on donation day to “look normal.” Take it as usual, declare it, drink water, and let the reading speak.