Blood Donation Does Not Help Hypertension
Blood donation is not a recommended or evidence-based treatment for hypertension, and any observed blood pressure reductions in donors are likely due to statistical regression to the mean rather than a true therapeutic effect.
The Evidence Against Blood Donation as HTN Treatment
Statistical Artifact, Not True Benefit
The most rigorous analysis demonstrates that apparent blood pressure reductions following blood donation are explained by regression to the mean, not a physiologic benefit 1. When researchers examined consecutive donations at the New York Blood Center, donors with elevated blood pressure at one visit typically had normal values at other visits, and the computed expected versus observed blood pressure decreases supported regression to the mean rather than any salutary physiologic process 1.
Observational Study Limitations
While one 2016 observational study reported blood pressure decreases in hypertensive donors (17.1 mmHg systolic reduction after four donations in Stage II hypertensives) 2, this study lacked the methodological rigor to control for regression to the mean and did not include a control group for comparison. The decrease in blood pressure was not significantly associated with changes in blood count or iron metabolism variables, further questioning any mechanistic basis 2.
No Guideline Support
Major hypertension guidelines, including the JNC 7 and ACC/AHA guidelines, do not mention blood donation as a therapeutic intervention for hypertension 3. The established approach to hypertension management focuses on lifestyle modifications (healthy diet, smoking abstinence, healthy body weight, regular exercise) and antihypertensive medications when indicated 3.
What Actually Works for Hypertension
Patients with hypertension should be counseled on evidence-based lifestyle interventions including healthy diet, smoking abstinence, achievement of healthy body weight, and regular exercise, with pharmacologic therapy when blood pressure remains ≥130/80 mmHg 3.
Blood Donation Safety in Hypertensives
Blood donation itself is generally safe for individuals with controlled hypertension, with typical upper limits for donation being systolic BP <180 mmHg 4. However, this safety profile does not translate into therapeutic benefit for blood pressure control.
Critical Pitfall to Avoid
Do not recommend blood donation as a treatment strategy for hypertension based on preliminary observational data that likely reflects statistical artifact rather than true physiologic benefit 1. Patients seeking blood pressure control require evidence-based interventions with proven mortality and morbidity benefits.