Blood donation benefits donor’s heart health too: Doctors

Srinagar, Jun 13: While blood donation is widely regarded as a noble act that helps save lives, medical experts in Kashmir say the practice also offers several health benefits to donors, including improved cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of heart-related ailments. They said regular blood donation contributes positively to the donor’s overall well-being.
Dr Tawseef Ahmad Lone, General Physician at the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), said that donating blood regularly can support heart health by improving blood circulation and reducing excess iron levels in the body. “Scientific studies suggest that periodic blood donation may lower the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. It helps improve blood flow, minimises arterial blockages, and reduces iron overload, which has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease,” he said.
Dr Tawseef added that maintaining balanced iron levels through blood donation may also help reduce oxidative stress in the body, potentially lowering the risk of certain cancers and chronic diseases. “Blood donation also serves as a basic health screening opportunity, as a donor’s haemoglobin level, blood pressure, pulse rate, and overall health status are assessed before every donation, helping identify underlying health issues that might otherwise go unnoticed,” he said.
According to health experts, blood donation offers multiple benefits, including stimulating new blood cell production, improving blood circulation, maintaining healthy iron levels, and providing a sense of psychological satisfaction from helping others. Doctors said the greatest benefit remains the lives saved through each donation. Every unit of donated blood is separated into different components, such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, meaning a single donation can potentially help up to three patients, they said.
Dr Shabir Ahmad, another doctor at DHSK, said that individuals aged between 18 and 65 years, weighing at least 50 kilograms, and enjoying good overall health can donate blood, with a minimum haemoglobin level of 12.5 g/dL for women and 13 g/dL for men. Men can donate whole blood once every 12 weeks, while women can donate every 16 weeks. “People with well-controlled diabetes are generally eligible, but those with uncontrolled diabetes, active infections, or certain medical conditions may be temporarily deferred,” he said.
Calling blood donation one of the simplest yet most impactful humanitarian acts, doctors urged healthy citizens, especially young people, to become regular voluntary blood donors. “The need for blood never stops. A few minutes spent donating blood can make the difference between life and death for someone in need. Donating blood is safe, beneficial, and lifesaving,” they added. (KNO)