This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor before donating plasma if you have high blood pressure. Final eligibility is determined by the plasma center's medical staff.
High blood pressure (hypertension) affects nearly half of American adults. If you have elevated BP, you might wonder if you can still donate plasma. The good news: many people with high blood pressure can donate.
Quick Answer
If BP is controlled and under limits at donation
Can You Donate Plasma with High Blood Pressure?
| BP Status | Can You Donate? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Normal BP (<120/80) | Yes | No restrictions |
| Elevated (120-129/<80) | Yes | Monitor at donation |
| Stage 1 HTN (130-139/80-89) | Usually Yes | Must be under limits at donation |
| Stage 2 HTN (≥140/≥90) | Maybe | Only if controlled by medication |
| Uncontrolled HTN | No | Must control before donating |
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Blood Pressure Requirements at Plasma Centers
FDA Blood Pressure Limits
The FDA sets maximum blood pressure limits for plasma donation:
| Systolic (top number) | Must be ≤180 mmHg |
| Diastolic (bottom number) | Must be ≤100 mmHg |
However, most plasma centers have stricter limits than the FDA minimum:
| Center | Max Systolic | Max Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| BioLife | 180 | 100 |
| CSL Plasma | 180 | 100 |
| Octapharma | 180 | 100 |
| Grifols | 180 | 100 |
Your BP must be under limits at the time of donation. Even if you have hypertension, if your reading is under the limit that day, you can donate.
Blood Pressure Medications & Eligibility
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Most blood pressure medications are acceptable for plasma donation:
| ACE Inhibitors | Lisinopril, Enalapril, Ramipril | OK |
| ARBs | Losartan, Valsartan, Olmesartan | OK |
| Beta Blockers | Metoprolol, Atenolol, Carvedilol | OK |
| Calcium Channel Blockers | Amlodipine, Diltiazem | OK |
| Diuretics | HCTZ, Furosemide, Chlorthalidone | OK |
Key Points About BP Medications
- Take your medication as prescribed before donation
- Disclose all medications during screening
- Being on BP meds is NOT disqualifying
- Well-controlled BP is actually preferred
Blood Pressure Policy by Center
| Center | BP Policy |
|---|---|
| BioLife | BP must be under 180/100 at donation. Medication OK. |
| CSL Plasma | BP checked at every visit. Must be under limits. |
| Octapharma | Standard FDA limits. Well-controlled HTN accepted. |
| Grifols | BP medications generally accepted. Check at visit. |
How to Lower Your Blood Pressure Before Donation
Day Before Donation
- Avoid high-sodium foods - No fast food, chips, canned soups
- Limit caffeine - Switch to decaf or reduce intake
- No alcohol - Can spike BP the next day
- Get good sleep - Poor sleep raises BP
- Take medications as prescribed
Morning of Donation
- Take BP medication on schedule
- Eat a light breakfast - Avoid heavy, salty foods
- Stay hydrated - Drink water, avoid energy drinks
- Arrive early - Rushing raises BP
- Sit quietly for 5-10 minutes before screening
At the Center
- Deep breathing - 5 slow breaths before BP check
- Relax your body - Unclench jaw, drop shoulders
- Don't talk during the BP reading
- Empty bladder first - Full bladder raises BP
- If high, ask to rest - Can often retest after 10 minutes
Most centers will let you rest and retest if your initial BP is slightly high. Stay calm, do deep breathing, and ask to try again in 10-15 minutes.
Tips for Donors with High Blood Pressure
- Monitor at home - Know your typical readings
- Choose morning appointments - BP often lower early in day
- Avoid stressful days - Don't donate after argument/stress
- Limit caffeine - Especially coffee morning of donation
- Stay on medications - Never skip to donate
- Stay hydrated - Dehydration raises BP
- Walk regularly - Even 20 min/day helps long-term
Find Plasma Centers Near You
Call centers to verify their specific blood pressure policies.
Find Plasma CentersFrequently Asked Questions
What if my BP is high at the center?
Ask to sit quietly for 10-15 minutes and retest. Do deep breathing exercises. If still too high, they may defer you for that day - you can try again another time.
Will donating plasma raise my blood pressure?
Actually, some studies suggest regular plasma donation may slightly lower blood pressure over time by reducing blood viscosity. However, stay hydrated to avoid temporary spikes.
Should I tell them I have high blood pressure?
Yes, always disclose your medical conditions and medications. This protects you and ensures safe donation. Having controlled hypertension is usually not disqualifying.
Can I donate if I just started BP medication?
Most centers require your BP to be stable for a period (often 2-4 weeks) after starting or changing medications. Check with your specific center.
What if my BP is always borderline?
If you consistently run 170/95, you may have trouble. Work with your doctor to improve control. Lifestyle changes and medication adjustments can help get you within range.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider before donating plasma if you have high blood pressure or are taking medications.
This is just one piece of the puzzle. For everything you need to know about plasma donation in 2026—earnings, centers, eligibility, and pro tips—check out our comprehensive resource: