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Normal blood pressure is usually around 120 over 80, or 120/80. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, may mean inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs, particularly for the elderly. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to heart attacks or heart failure, stroke and kidney failure. Exercising regularly and quitting smoking are ways to lower blood pressure.
The pulse measures the number of heartbeats per minute. A normal pulse in adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Bradycardia means the heart beats slowly, less than 60 times a minute. Tachycardia means the heart beats very fast, more than 100 times per minute. Most donors are unable to donate blood with a pulse of more than 100 beats per minutes or less than 50 beats per minute.
Body temperature is a general reflection of many different body systems. The average normal body temperature measured by a thermometer placed in the mouth is 98.6° F (37° C). Oral temperatures of more than 100° F represent a fever, which can be brought on by infections, severe trauma or injury, or other medical conditions. Chronically low body temperature may also be a sign of illness.
Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. The normal values are different for men and women, but both high and low hemoglobin levels may indicate disease. Normal hemoglobin values for men are: 13.8 - 17.2 and for women: 12.1 - 15.1. Because of the potential health risk, donors are not allowed to donate if their hemoglobin level is less than 12.5, for both men and women.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance made in the liver. The body needs only a small of cholesterol. When too much is present, health problems such as heart disease may develop. Diet, weight, exercise, age, and heredity can impact cholesterol levels.
A total cholesterol level:
- Less than 199mg/dl is desirable
- 200-239 mg/dl is borderline high
- Greater than 240 mg/dl is high
As with all interpretation of medical tests, results are best interpreted by your physician and are meant to be a guide in determining underlying medical conditions and individually do not provide diagnosis.
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