Blood donation in hypertensive populations: risk mechanisms, international practices, and future perspectives
10.13303/j.cjbt.issn.1004-549x.2026.06.015
- VernacularTitle:高血压人群献血：风险机制、国际实践与未来展望
- Author:
Lizhou ZHAO
1
;
Meng LI
1
;
Ying LI
1
;
Xue CHEN
1
;
Kefen WANG
1
;
Yishu WANG
1
;
Xuemei FU
1
Author Information
1. Chengdu Blood Center, Chengdu 610020, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
hypertension;
blood donation safety;
risk assessment;
blood pressure screening;
antihypertensive drugs
- From:
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion
2026;39(6):799-808
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Hypertension ranks among the most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases worldwide, with its prevalence rising steadily and exerting substantial impacts on the demographic composition of voluntary blood donors and the safety of blood supply. The eligibility of hypertensive individuals for safe blood donation and the relevant screening and management strategies have long remained controversial in transfusion medicine. This article systematically reviews the epidemiological characteristics of hypertension, donation-related physiological alterations and underlying risk mechanisms. By synthesizing evidence from international multicenter studies and regulatory practices across major nations, it conducts a comprehensive analysis of blood donation safety and donor admission criteria for hypertensive patients. Available evidence demonstrates that for hypertensives with well-stabilized blood pressure and no severe cardiac, cerebral or renal complications or target organ damage, the overall incidence of adverse reactions following blood donation is comparable to that in healthy donors, and no definitive correlation has been identified between blood pressure levels and vasovagal responses. Current mainstream international management frameworks are gradually shifting from screening reliant on a single blood pressure cutoff value toward an integrated strategy combining stratified risk classification and individualized dynamic assessment, with core focus on long-term blood pressure control, consistency of medication regimens and complication status. Meanwhile, emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and wearable devices have opened innovative avenues for blood donation risk evaluation and full-cycle donor management. In light of existing clinical evidence, future efforts should further refine the multi-dimensional risk stratification system, facilitate the implementation of intelligent screening and continuous monitoring technologies, and scale up health education and follow-up management for hypertensive populations. Such measures aim to appropriately expand the pool of eligible blood donors while safeguarding donation safety, ultimately achieving coordinated improvement in blood safety and blood supply capacity.
