View Full Version : Donating Blood To Lower RBC, BP and HR.
Hello CBB,
I setup an appointment to donate blood. I've been watching my blood pressure and other things over the years..
I need to lower my Red Blood Cell count and it seems that donating blood is one of the best ways to do that. I'll be going as often as they let me over the next year and hopefully my Blood Pressure and resting heart rate will lower back to normal.
Currently My Blood Pressure is always around 142/82 to 138/74, I'm glad my Diastolic is low but the Systolic needs to come down... It's putting too much pressure on my heart. My Resting heart rate is usually around 72 which is not even close to normal for someone like me.... Should be at most 50 - 60..
After getting an ECG, I have been told that I do have a slightly enlarged left ventricle. This could be from all the high level athletics I have competed in over the years, the effects of using gear/too much RBC... or a combination of both.
I'm always concerned with my own health so this is a next step. I'll keep you posted on how it goes over the next few months and hopefully my stats will return to more normal levels.
Has anyone else donated blood and seen a reduction in their blood pressure / heart rate from that alone? Short or long term after a few visits? Any insight would be appreciated as always.
I also have an appointment with my doc coming up to get some real bloodwork done, cholesterol checks and the works...
:)
Bloodletting was used in ancient and more recent times.
TryGear
06-12-2010, 07:15 PM
The body replaces the blood. And secondly your not reducing the percentage of RBC's just Volume of blood. It'll help for about 4-7 days. Kinda like bailing out a boat without plugging the hole imo
How does bloodletting differ from donating blood?
Delt King
06-12-2010, 10:18 PM
I just keep imagining they give your blood to a 65 year old woman and she suddenly gets a deep voice and 18inch guns LMAO:D
moh2010
06-12-2010, 11:28 PM
I just keep imagining they give your blood to a 65 year old woman and she suddenly gets a deep voice and 18inch guns LMAO:D
lol!!!
nisser
07-12-2010, 08:35 PM
left ventricular hypertrophy is a direct result of long-term hypertension. How long have you been on gear with such high blood pressure? How old are you?
left ventricular hypertrophy is a direct result of long-term hypertension. How long have you been on gear with such high blood pressure? How old are you?
I'm 29 and I have always gone for Echocardiograms and been closely monitored and tested including blood work. My ECG results have even been sent from my doctor to a cardiologist who specializes for his interpretation and he said I was fine although he was unaware of my gear use...
Use has always been at low levels, around 250 - 375mg of Test-E / week. Occasionally some Winny added (not much). Been on and off over the past 6 - 8 years, sometimes taking months off but typically staying on for 6-8 months... Past couple years I've basically just been cruising though. A Few months off early this year.
Left Ventricular Hypertrophy also occurs in highly trained athletes and I have competed my entire life since a young age. It could be from the training, it could be from the gear and most likely is a combination of both. I'm concerned it's more from the gear though and I'm taking steps to bring my vitals into a more normal range. I am genuinely concerned about my health and I fully understand and am very aware of the dangers/risks.
I'm going to see a new family doctor soon and give a complete and full history. Again, I am concerned about my health and know potentially and most likely what is going on inside my body. Any input, advice or experience you could share would be appreciated. I have seriously considered and am still considering coming off permanently until my vitals return to normal levels.
I'm going to give blood in a few hours today...
I just took my blood pressure now and it's only 134/68.... It's not like it's crazy high but I stay on top of things. It is typically 140/80.
The body replaces the blood. And secondly your not reducing the percentage of RBC's just Volume of blood. It'll help for about 4-7 days. Kinda like bailing out a boat without plugging the hole imo
No offence but you're just wrong. That's the problem with offering a random opinion based on nothing factual.
After donating, the body replaces blood volume within 1 - 2 days with Plasma which is mostly water. The platelets are also replaced within a couple days. The body can take up to 8 weeks to replace the red blood cells, it takes them that long to mature fully and is why you can only donate every two months.
I am donating blood today and I have an appointment scheduled with my doctor next week to get blood work done and check my levels.
Thanks for your opinion though.
bcaamuscle
08-12-2010, 02:29 PM
Is there any reason you have been cruising? You're almost better off (from a health perspective) to just blast for size and take time off. I would think that constantly being on would attribute to growth of the ventricle moreso than any other factor?
Is there any reason you have been cruising? You're almost better off (from a health perspective) to just blast for size and take time off. I would think that constantly being on would attribute to growth of the ventricle moreso than any other factor?
You're probably right about it being better to go on and off. This is something I have considered along with just going off all together. I have taken time off.... but I agree, likely not nearly as much as I should be which could be a contributing factor in why I'm dealing with my current situation...
Right now I have an appointment to be at and we can chat about this is another thread another time, I will be posting and asking for more input regarding this very topic!
I'm out for the day!
:)
O-Train
08-12-2010, 03:58 PM
No offence but you're just wrong. That's the problem with offering a random opinion based on nothing factual.
I'm going to remember you wrote this because I've already read posts of yours that fit into this category.
I'm going to remember you wrote this because I've already read posts of yours that fit into this category.
Of course I have. Everyone has... Except maybe you because you're perfect? Did I upset you :( Go Cry
I did come back to add... for anyone interested in the thread topic:
At the blood clinic, I did disclose my use of AAS and they were ok with it. They were confused if I could donate or not so they pulled out the rule book and I read it myself alongside the nurse, Anabolic Steroids are OK as long as it is "single use only" needles. It was a bit of a grey area because I'm sure they sometimes get people in on HRT prescribed by a doc.... They even called one of their head medical officers and in my case, was given the OK. I think they may take this on a case by case basis with the info you give them.
Before you begin they leave the room and you can put a bar code sticker on your own sample, one coded "use my blood" the other "discard" so if you have any personal concerns you can still donate and have them destroy your collection. I thought this was great.
Side benefit, they test you for different types of infections and diseases like HIV, etc... If your blood is positive, they will let you know.
All in all, I had a good experience and will be donating regularly. I suppose it's just a good thing to do anyhow. Two guys were in there donating platelets for up to 90 minutes and have to do it every 2 weeks! Commitment and impressive...
:)
O-Train
08-12-2010, 07:25 PM
Of course I have. Everyone has... Except maybe you because you're perfect? Did I upset you :( Go Cry
I did come back to add... for anyone interested in the thread topic:
Edit. Instead of insulting you which is the easy thing to do...consider what else you're losing when you give blood so often and plan accordingly. There should be tons of research regarding this topic on PubMed.
Edit. Instead of insulting you which is the easy thing to do...consider what else you're losing when you give blood so often and plan accordingly. There should be tons of research regarding this topic on PubMed.
Way to take the high road by saying you were going to insult me but not actually doing it. Real big of you...
Your body will also lose Iron but it is replaced along with your red blood cells. Did search around PubMed but couldn't find anything very relevant aside from the Iron which is really only a risk if you're anemic or have low levels to begin with. Possibly a few vitamins lost but those are also replaced with your diet.
The Canadian Blood services checks your Hemoglobin levels every time you go and if it's too low, they will not allow a donation and will simply ask you to come back another time. They allow you to donate safely every 56 days. Maybe you should call them up and let the medical specialists know they're putting people at risk and doing it wrong, clearly you know something they don't?
Please, enlighten me with your knowledge. Saying "do a search because you lose stuff in your blood" isn't very informative. I'm all ears.
What else am I losing which will not be replaced?
Searched for a good while on PubMed and while there is tons of info, I didn't find anything about donating too often, aside from some info on risks for anemics or people with already low iron levels.... Again, they check you before you donate anyhow. Maybe I'm searching wrong. Found lots of articles on the health benefits though. Searching around the net across many credible medical and government websites, almost everything says there are no risks to giving too much and people around the world have been donating regularly all their lives.
Seriously, I'm curious what info you have. I'd rather hear it and learn instead of being uninformed. That's why I'm here.
:)
O-Train
09-12-2010, 02:02 PM
I honestly couldn't care less. From the looks of things, no one will be able to answer your question so this thread reads something like Dear Diary... If it's a serious medical question then ask a medical professional. Judging by your physique and annoying responses I'd be more inclined to believe you're 16 and never touched gear...Maybe mommy and daddy should be doing a better job monitoring your internet access. PubMed is difficult to use if you don't know how to conduct searches properly and for the record I was refering to your initial question aka...go look it up yourself.
Way to take the high road by saying you were going to insult me but not actually doing it. Real big of you...
Your body will also lose Iron but it is replaced along with your red blood cells. Did search around PubMed but couldn't find anything very relevant aside from the Iron which is really only a risk if you're anemic or have low levels to begin with. Possibly a few vitamins lost but those are also replaced with your diet.
The Canadian Blood services checks your Hemoglobin levels every time you go and if it's too low, they will not allow a donation and will simply ask you to come back another time. They allow you to donate safely every 56 days. Maybe you should call them up and let the medical specialists know they're putting people at risk and doing it wrong, clearly you know something they don't?
Please, enlighten me with your knowledge. Saying "do a search because you lose stuff in your blood" isn't very informative. I'm all ears.
What else am I losing which will not be replaced?
Searched for a good while on PubMed and while there is tons of info, I didn't find anything about donating too often, aside from some info on risks for anemics or people with already low iron levels.... Again, they check you before you donate anyhow. Maybe I'm searching wrong. Found lots of articles on the health benefits though. Searching around the net across many credible medical and government websites, almost everything says there are no risks to giving too much and people around the world have been donating regularly all their lives.
Seriously, I'm curious what info you have. I'd rather hear it and learn instead of being uninformed. That's why I'm here.
:)
Wow you're a ****ing idiot.
TryGear
09-12-2010, 07:49 PM
Your posting a question about donating blood to reduce hypertension in an Internet chat forum............ Wouldn't you expect random advice.?
moh2010
09-12-2010, 08:29 PM
Come guys. Stop fighting! lol
Ever heard of the Anabolic Doc on MD? He's an Endo who work with bodybuilders and lifters (including famous IFBB pros). He understand us and this guy know what he's talking about. Lots of experiences and he can do some works with the Canadians.
You can ask him your question over here:
http://forums.musculardevelopment.com/showthread.php/70427-Q-and-A-with-the-Anabolic-Doc-Thomas-Oconnor
You should use a good magnesium(450mg before sleeping, not oxide, absorption is 2%) and COQ10 (100mg). Combine these two and your blood pressure should reduce by 15-20.
nisser
10-12-2010, 12:20 AM
There's more to blood pressure than red blood cells. Giving blood won't cure your blood pressure. If that was true, no one would be using drugs (and sometimes 2-4+ different drugs) to control their blood pressure if they could just give blood every 3 weeks.
It will, however, lower your hemoglobin.
There's more to blood pressure than red blood cells. Giving blood won't cure your blood pressure. If that was true, no one would be using drugs (and sometimes 2-4+ different drugs) to control their blood pressure if they could just give blood every 3 weeks.
It will, however, lower your hemoglobin.
Bloodletting was a common procedure and performed much more frequently than every 3 weeks,IIRC.Doctors and large pharm companies are best buddies.
Prisoner#22
11-12-2010, 02:01 AM
I have given blood in the past to relieve headaches and high blood pressure and It worked. My hemoglobin at the time was like 190 so I was polycytemic ... which will btw increase your blood pressure. As blood becomes more viscous it takes a stronger stroke to move it by the heart. That increases pressure.
And for those that think they are losing Iron and that is bad, are actually wrong. There was an article in T-nation several years ago on this, and gist of it outlined that us men who don't bleed on a monthly basis actually over a lifetime acru TOO much iron in our bodies that can actually lead to impaired fuctioning including congnitive abilities.
It just makes sense... females bleed every month which can lead to the opposite effect for some, but for males a little blood letting once in a while is actually therapeutic.
Prisoner#22
11-12-2010, 02:04 AM
oh and nobody is gonna get 'jacked' off your blood lol. Very little hormones are actually in the blood, most is contained in the muscle and slowly releases.
The blood is processed anyways and separated into different components... mainly packed red cells, platelets, albumin, and fresh frosen plasma... All these have different therapeutic uses.
nisser
12-12-2010, 06:20 PM
Bloodletting was a common procedure and performed much more frequently than every 3 weeks,IIRC.Doctors and large pharm companies are best buddies.
If I could draw a picture that can clear up your confusion, I would.
High hemoglobin can cause high blood pressure. But giving blood and lowering your hemoglobin will not reduce your blood pressure for very long if you have other underlying causes.
Burning women for being witches was also more common but that doesn't mean it's the right thing to do.
Make sense?
.
Burning women for being witches was also more common .
Now we just marry them.
If I could draw a picture that can clear up your confusion, I would.
High hemoglobin can cause high blood pressure. But giving blood and lowering your hemoglobin will not reduce your blood pressure for very long if you have other underlying causes.
Burning women for being witches was also more common but that doesn't mean it's the right thing to do.
Make sense?
That is why bloodletting would be performed every few days.Does that make sense?Leaches were also commonly used but were dropped in favor of modern drugs.Turns out leaches also work quite well.When you can document all the various side effects and possible long term detriments that can result from these drugs,many of them rushed to market let us know,ok?
O-Train
14-12-2010, 12:58 AM
They also used poultices made of animal dung...the basis of medicine was four humours consisting of black bile, yellow bile, phlegm and blood. Ailments were considered an imbalance of the humours hence why bloodletting became so popular. More often than not it made people more weak and aided in their death.
On a more interesting note, ancient Roman surgical tools are almost identical to modern ones. I think that's pretty cool.
nisser
14-12-2010, 11:47 PM
That is why bloodletting would be performed every few days.Does that make sense?Leaches were also commonly used but were dropped in favor of modern drugs.Turns out leaches also work quite well.When you can document all the various side effects and possible long term detriments that can result from these drugs,many of them rushed to market let us know,ok?
No, it does not make sense. Bloodletting was used for a lot of reasons but not for high blood pressure. Hypertension actually wasn't noted as a symptom that can lead to disease until very, very recently (<200 years ago).
I will check later on the net but I suspect your source is not correct.By that statement I suspect what you are actually parroting is that modern western doctors didn't understand this.
No, it does not make sense. Bloodletting was used for a lot of reasons but not for high blood pressure. Hypertension actually wasn't noted as a symptom that can lead to disease until very, very recently (<200 years ago).
Check Wiki under hypertension.
nisser
16-12-2010, 09:18 PM
Check Wiki under hypertension.
Your reading really should begin after
"Our modern understanding of hypertension began with the work of physician William Harvey (1578–1657)"
The stuff about hard pulse disease was in relation to really severe hypertension with atherosclerosic veins. And it goes without saying that you could alleviate that by bleeding the victim to anemic status.
But by all means, go ahead and donate blood. It's actually a great thing for everyone in Canada. But don't be surprised if it does jackshit for your blood pressure and if the nurses refuse to let you do it more than once every 50 days.
Your reading really should begin after
"Our modern understanding of hypertension began with the work of physician William Harvey (1578–1657)"
The stuff about hard pulse disease was in relation to really severe hypertension with atherosclerosic veins. And it goes without saying that you could alleviate that by bleeding the victim to anemic status.
But by all means, go ahead and donate blood. It's actually a great thing for everyone in Canada. But don't be surprised if it does jackshit for your blood pressure and if the nurses refuse to let you do it more than once every 50 days.
I wouldn't consider that for long term management.I don't have high BP.But for a short term solution if a person was experiencing a problem it could help along with cessation...
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