Donating blood after a heart attack

No, this one is a firm stop, for your safety or the patient’s. After a heart attack, blood donation is generally closed, the risk to you outweighs the gift. ## The short answer Your heart has been through serious injury; the volume shift of donation is a load it should not carry. You can still save lives: driving donors, hosting camps, and, if you later need blood, being the reason the register exists. ## At the screening desk Tell the staff: Share your full cardiac history at any screening. That conversation is confidential and takes a minute, it exists so the medical officer can clear you safely on the day. Everyone meets the same basics: age 18,65, weight 50 kg+, haemoglobin on target, feeling well today. Men donate every 3 months, women every 4, the rest rules, simply. Not sure about your case? Try the Can I donate? checker or read who can donate and the deferral list in plain words. Still weighing it? Is blood donation safe? and the honest side-effects list are straight answers, not brochure talk. ## The one line that matters The medical officer at the centre makes the final call on the day, with your name, your file and your actual reading in front of them. Use this page to walk in informed, not to overrule anyone.