How To Lower Pulse For Plasma Donation? All Answers

How long could you comfortably stay underwater without taking a breath? thirty seconds? Maybe a few minutes? How about 24? This is the current world record for breath holding held by Alex Segura Vendrell of Spain. Before getting ideas for your next party trick, it’s important to note that Segura Vendrell is a professional freediver and has been extensively trained for this 24 minutes and 3.45 seconds.

How is it possible to hold your breath for so long?

It turns out that holding your breath for an extended period of time, also known as voluntary apnea, is a type of extreme sport in and of itself. Professional divers and competitors train by taking deep breaths before diving. By holding a large breath before going underwater, a diver is able to push the carbon dioxide out of their body, which takes away the body’s natural response to take a breath.

Sounds dangerous, doesn’t it?

How long is it safe to hold your breath?

According to the Canadian Red Cross, most healthy adults can hold their breath comfortably for about one to two minutes. Anything beyond that is dangerous and should be avoided and can drown you even in shallow water. Holding your breath underwater is just one of those things lifeguards wish you wouldn’t do. Here are just some of the processes that go on in the body when you hold your breath.

Your oxygen levels drop

Without fresh oxygen in our body, the oxygen saturation of our blood decreases. This means our brains and organs aren’t getting the oxygen they need to function. When our brains start to become hypoxic, the first symptoms are a sense of confusion, altered decision-making, and loss of coordination.

Your carbon dioxide levels (should) rise

If you were to hold your breath now, your blood oxygen levels would begin to fall and carbon dioxide levels would rise. Our bodies release carbon dioxide when we exhale, and when we hold our breath it builds up, making us feel the urge to take another breath. However, this increase in carbon dioxide does not always take place underwater.

The story goes on

A study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that carbon dioxide levels rise more slowly when divers intentionally hyperventilate or exercise before going underwater. This can cause the diver to pass out before they feel like taking a breath.

You could be at risk for brain damage

A study in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that divers who held their breath for long periods had higher levels of the protein S100B in their bloodstream. This protein is a marker for brain damage; Luckily, the increase was temporary and returned to normal as soon as they started breathing again.

“The results indicate that prolonged, voluntary apnea compromises central nervous system integrity and can have cumulative effects,” the researchers said. It is unclear whether people who regularly hold their breath, such as B. divers, are at risk for long-term damage.

You could lose coordination

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The study in the Journal of Applied Physiology also found that divers had higher blood lactate levels while holding their breath. Lactic acid is what builds up in your muscles during a long run or intense workout and can lead to cramps, soreness and loss of coordination. Seeing this increase in blood flow means the muscles aren’t getting enough oxygen. Learn more obscure body facts you didn’t know.

Your blood sugar rises

If you hold your breath for too long, your blood sugar levels can spike. Researchers found that blood sugar levels were higher in divers when they held their breath. It’s unclear why blood sugar rises when the body is deprived of oxygen, but it may be related to our body’s inability to secrete insulin during this time.

Your heart rate slows down

When our body is deprived of oxygen, the heart cannot pump fresh, oxygenated blood to the body. Studies show that holding your breath for about 30 seconds can result in a decreased heart rate and cardiac output.

Your blood pressure rises

When your body’s heart rate drops while you’re holding your breath, it tries to compensate by increasing your blood pressure to pump blood around your body. This happens when our blood vessels narrow. This rise in blood pressure usually occurs after three minutes of breath-hold, once the oxygen levels in our blood begin to fall.

You could pass out

The dangerous risk of holding your breath underwater is passing out in the water. According to Emory experts, when children hold their breath underwater, the pressure in their chests causes their blood vessels to stop blood flow to the right side of the heart. When this happens, the heart cannot pump blood, resulting in a fainting reflex. Adults who hold their breath underwater for long periods of time are also at risk of fainting.

Stay safe near water

Because of accidental drownings associated with healthy children and adults holding their breath underwater, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends never practicing voluntary apnea. Be sure to teach your kids to stay safe while swimming and never play breath hold games with friends.

heart health

June 21, 2021

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The normal heart rate for healthy adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Heart rate can fluctuate and increase with exercise, illness, injury, and emotions. Women over the age of 12 generally have a faster heart rate than men. Athletes like runners who do a lot of cardiovascular training can have heart rates close to 40 bpm and have no problems.

Pulse rate is a measure of heart rate, or the number of heartbeats per minute. When the heart pushes blood through the arteries, the arteries expand and contract with blood flow. The pulse measurement not only measures the heart rate, but can also display the following:

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mercury is a toxic substance that poses a risk to human health and the environment. Because of the risk of breakage, mercury-containing glass thermometers should be discarded from use and properly disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Contact your local health department, waste disposal authority, or fire department for information on the proper disposal of mercury thermometers.

Body temperature may be abnormal due to fever (high temperature) or hypothermia (low temperature). According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, a fever is indicated when body temperature rises about one degree or more above the normal temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia is defined as a drop in body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

through the skin. A special thermometer can quickly measure the temperature of the skin on the forehead.

With the ear. A special thermometer can quickly measure the temperature of the eardrum, which reflects the core body temperature (the temperature of the internal organs).

armpit. The temperature can be measured with a glass or digital thermometer under the arm. Temperatures measured this way are typically 0.3 to 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit lower than temperatures measured orally.

Rectal. Temperatures taken rectally (with a glass or digital thermometer) are typically 0.5 to 0.7 degrees Fahrenheit higher than when taken orally.

Orally. Temperature can be taken orally using either the classic glass thermometer or the more modern digital thermometers that use an electronic probe to measure body temperature.

A person’s normal body temperature varies according to gender, recent activity, food and fluid intake, time of day and, in women, the stage of the menstrual cycle. Normal body temperature for a healthy adult can range from 97.8 degrees F (or Fahrenheit, equivalent to 36.5 degrees C or Celsius) to 99 degrees F (37.2 degrees C). A person’s body temperature can be measured in one of the following ways:

Vital signs are useful for detecting or monitoring medical problems. Vital signs can be measured in a medical setting, at home, at a medical emergency site, or elsewhere.

Blood pressure (Blood pressure is not considered a vital sign, but is often taken with vital signs.)

Vital signs are measurements of the body’s most basic functions. The four key vital signs routinely monitored by healthcare professionals and healthcare providers include the following:

How to check your pulse

As the heart forces blood through the arteries, you feel the beats by pressing hard on the arteries, which are close to the surface of the skin in certain parts of the body. The pulse is on the side of the neck, on the inside of the elbow, or on the wrist. For most people, the easiest way is to measure the pulse on the wrist. When using the lower neck, be careful not to press too hard and never press on the pulses on both sides of the lower neck at the same time to avoid blocking blood flow to the brain. When measuring the heart rate:

Use your first and second fingertips to press firmly but gently on the arteries until you feel a pulse.

Start counting your heart rate when the second hand of the watch points to 12.

Count your heart rate for 60 seconds (or for 15 seconds and then multiply by four to calculate beats per minute).

When counting, do not constantly watch the clock, but concentrate on the beats of the pulse.

If you are unsure of your results, ask someone else to count for you.

If your doctor has told you to check your own pulse and you are having trouble finding it, contact your doctor or nurse for further instructions.

What is the respiratory rate?

Respiratory rate is the number of breaths a person takes per minute. Rate is usually measured when a person is at rest and simply involves counting the number of breaths taken for a minute by counting the number of times the chest rises. Respiratory rate may increase with fever, illness, and other medical conditions. When checking breathing, it’s important to also note if a person is having trouble breathing.

Normal respiratory rates for an adult at rest range from 12 to 16 breaths per minute.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against artery walls during contraction and relaxation of the heart. Every time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries, resulting in the highest blood pressure when the heart is contracting. When the heart relaxes, blood pressure drops.

When measuring blood pressure, two numbers are recorded. The higher number, or systolic pressure, refers to the pressure in the artery when the heart contracts and pumps blood around the body. The lower number, or diastolic pressure, refers to the pressure in the artery when the heart is at rest and filling with blood. Both systolic and diastolic pressures are recorded in “mm Hg” (millimeters of mercury). This recording represents how high the mercury column in an old-fashioned manual sphygmomanometer (called a mercury manometer or sphygmomanometer) is raised by the pressure of the blood. Today, your doctor’s office tends to use a simple scale for this measurement.

High blood pressure, or high blood pressure, directly increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. With high blood pressure, the arteries can have an increased resistance to blood flow, causing the heart to pump harder to circulate blood.

Blood pressure is categorized as normal, elevated, or stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension:

Normal blood pressure is below 120 systolic and below 80 diastolic (120/80)

Elevated blood pressure is between 120 and 129 systolic and below 80 diastolic

Stage 1 hypertension is 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic

Stage 2 hypertension is present when the systolic reading is 140 or greater or the diastolic reading is 90 or greater

These numbers should only be used as a guide. A single blood pressure reading that is higher than normal is not necessarily indicative of a problem. Your doctor will want to see multiple blood pressure readings over several days or weeks before diagnosing high blood pressure and beginning treatment. Ask your doctor when to contact him or her if your blood pressure readings are not within the normal range.

Why should I monitor my blood pressure at home?

For people with high blood pressure, home monitoring allows your doctor to monitor how much your blood pressure is changing throughout the day and from day to day. This can also help your doctor determine how effectively your blood pressure medication is working.

What special equipment is needed to measure blood pressure?

Blood pressure can be measured using either an aneroid monitor, which has a dial indicator and is read by looking at a pointer, or a digital monitor, in which the blood pressure reading flashes on a small screen.

About the aneroid monitor

The aneroid monitor is less expensive than the digital monitor. The cuff is inflated by hand by squeezing a rubber bulb. Some devices even have a special feature that makes it easier to apply the cuff with one hand. However, the device can be easily damaged and become less accurate. Because the person using it must listen for heartbeats with the stethoscope, it may not be suitable for the hearing impaired.

About the digital monitor

The digital monitor is automatic, with measurements appearing on a small screen. Since the records are easy to read, this is the most popular blood pressure monitor. It’s also easier to use than the aneroid device, and since there’s no need to listen to the heartbeats through the stethoscope, it’s a good device for hearing-impaired patients. A downside is that body movement or an irregular heart rate can alter accuracy. These units are also more expensive than the aneroid monitors.

About finger and wrist blood pressure monitors

Tests have shown that finger and/or wrist blood pressure monitors do not measure blood pressure as accurately as other types of monitors. Also, they are more expensive than other monitors.

Before measuring your blood pressure:

The American Heart Association recommends the following guidelines for home blood pressure monitoring:

Do not smoke or drink coffee for 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.

Go to the toilet before the test.

Relax for 5 minutes before taking the measurement.

Sit with your back supported (do not sit on a couch or soft chair). Keep your feet uncrossed on the floor. Place your arm on a firm, flat surface (such as a table) with the top of your arm at heart level. Place the center of the cuff just above the crook of your elbow. Refer to the monitor user guide for an illustration.

Do several readings. When measuring, take 2 to 3 measurements a minute apart and record all the results.

Measure your blood pressure at the same time each day or as recommended by your doctor.

Write down the date, time and blood pressure measurement.

Take the log with you to your next doctor’s appointment. If your blood pressure monitor has built-in memory, simply take the monitor with you to your next appointment.

Call your provider if you have multiple high readings. Don’t let a single high blood pressure scare you, but if you get multiple high blood pressure levels, call your doctor.

If blood pressure reaches a systolic (top number) of 180 or greater OR a diastolic (bottom number) of 110 or greater, seek emergency medical attention.

Ask your doctor or other healthcare professional to teach you how to use your blood pressure monitor properly. Have the meter checked for accuracy routinely by taking it to your doctor. It’s also important to make sure the hose isn’t twisted when you store it and keep it away from heat to avoid cracking and leaking.

Proper use of your blood pressure monitor will help you and your doctor monitor your blood pressure.

Certain health conditions also prevent you from donating, such as: B. Pregnancy or recent birth. If you have had dental treatment in the last 72 hours, you will be deferred. Also, if you have received the MMR vaccine in the past month or have had chickenpox or taken antibiotics by mouth in the past 24-48 hours or by injection in the past 72 hours, you will also be deferred.

A person who has ever had viral hepatitis A, B, or C is disqualified from donating, as are certain chronic diseases such as hemophilia or other bleeding disorders. People cannot donate if they have or have had tuberculosis, heart disease (and currently medication for it), sickle cell disease, certain types of cancer, or malaria (have contracted the disease in the past three years or traveled to an endemic area in the past year). People who are HIV positive or who may have put themselves at risk of contracting the virus also cannot donate plasma.

Which drugs disqualify you from plasma donation? People who have taken Accutane, oral Retin-A, or finasteride in the past month cannot donate. Anyone who has ever taken etretinate may not donate plasma. People who are currently taking medication to treat tuberculosis or malaria are also not eligible to donate. Finally, if you have had a body piercing or tattoo in the past 12 months, you are not eligible. The only exception to the tattoo rule is if the tattoo is from a licensed facility in Louisiana, Texas, Alabama or Mississippi, in which case there is only a one month waiting period.

Plasma donation, also known as apheresis, can help save lives. It’s a relatively safe procedure, but there may be minor side effects. Plasma is the liquid part of blood. It contains proteins and antibodies critical for blood clotting and immunity. About 55% of blood is plasma. In plasma donation, blood is drawn, the plasma removed, and the leftover blood returned to the person, all through a single needle that remains in the arm throughout the process. Plasma is in high demand as it helps treat cancer and other health problems. In May 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked people who had recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma. Experts believe the plasma may contain antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the disease. Obtaining plasma with these antibodies could help a person fight off the infection. People with AB blood have a universal type of plasma, meaning that a person with any blood type can safely receive this plasma. This differs from the universal blood type, which is O negative.

The American Red Cross is encouraging people with AB blood to donate plasma. A person can do this every 28 days or up to 13 times a year. Research shows that donating plasma is safe, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasizes that there is no risk of getting the wrong blood back. In addition, the FDA and other health authorities regulate the equipment and process of donating plasma.

However, a person who donates plasma may experience minor side effects, and as with any other procedure that involves a puncture, there are certain risks associated with it. In this article, we explain the plasma donation process. We also look at the side effects and what a person can do to prevent them.

Side Effects Share on Pinterest A person may feel faint or dizzy after donating plasma. A person who donates plasma may experience side effects during the process or right after. These side effects may include: Feeling faint or dizzy. Dehydration can cause dehydration and can make some people feel light-headed during and after the donation. This reaction is common and usually mild. Donation Center staff encourage people to rest and have a drink and snack after the process is complete to counteract drowsiness. If a person experiences any of the following events during the donation, the companion may stop the process: Fainting

nausea and vomiting

paleness

low blood pressure

Sweating, twitching, or weakness The person may then need to rest with their feet elevated and drink some fluids. Local allergic reaction Before inserting the needle, the phlebotomist cleans the arm with a disinfectant. If the person has an allergy to iodine or other cleaning solutions, they may develop one or more of the following symptoms at the injection site: Redness

swelling

itching

Hives A localized reaction like this is probably not dangerous, but if the person is unwell they can ask to stop the donation. Applying a cold towel to the area can help relieve symptoms. Meanwhile, wheezing, trouble breathing, fainting, and low blood pressure can be signs of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction. If a person experiences any of these, the companion should stop the donation and provide immediate assistance. Bruising and bleeding Some patients bruise during or after the procedure. The donation site may be warm or tender, and there may be swelling or a feeling of pressure. If a person experiences this, it is safe to continue the donation. To relieve symptoms, a person may apply cold compresses to the area for the first 12 to 24 hours, followed by warm compresses thereafter. If bleeding occurs, a person should apply pressure to the area and raise their arm. If the bleeding continues, seek urgent medical attention. What do bruise colors mean and when should you see a doctor?

Other risks The likelihood of more serious problems occurring during or after a plasma donation is usually small. However, taking blood always carries certain risks. Localized infection or inflammation Infection can develop when bacteria enter the body through the needle puncture. Signs and symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and a feeling of warmth around the donation site. Anyone who suspects an infection should contact the donation center. Major Bruising If a person has either a major bruise or a minor bruise that is associated with pain during the donation, the caregiver should stop the donation and apply a cold compress. The person may benefit from continuing to apply cold compresses for the next 12 to 24 hours and warm compresses thereafter.

If bleeding occurs, the person should apply pressure to the area and raise their arm. If symptoms worsen or bleeding doesn’t stop, see a doctor right away. Arterial Puncture When donating plasma, healthcare professionals draw the blood from a vein, one of the smaller blood vessels. If they accidentally puncture an artery instead: The blood will be bright red.

The blood will leave the body quickly.

A pulsation occurs in the collecting tube. If this occurs, the caregiver stops the donation immediately and applies firm pressure to the area for at least 10 minutes. Emergency medical assistance may be required. Nerve Injury and Irritation When a healthcare provider inserts or withdraws a needle, it can strike a nerve. This can result in: stabbing pain at the site

Numbness or tingling in your arm or fingers

shooting pain down arm

Weakness in the arm In this case, the doctor stops the donation and applies a cold compress. A person may attend a follow-up visit to ensure that any related issues receive proper attention. Citrate reaction Citrate is a substance that is added to the blood during plasma donation to prevent it from clotting. Some people react to this substance. When this happens the person may experience: tingling in the fingers or around the nose and mouth

Loss of feeling A severe citrate reaction may cause: chills

a fast or slow pulse

muscle twitches

Shortness of breath If left untreated, this can lead to seizures, shock, or cardiac arrest. A study showed that citrate could affect bone density because it binds to calcium. However, other research does not seem to confirm this. Hemolysis This medical term describes the destruction of red blood cells that can occur with plasma donation.

The damage can cause hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, to leak into the bloodstream. This can cause the plasma to turn pink and the blood to be darker than usual. Also, a person can see blood in their urine. If the caregiver notices signs of hemolysis, she will stop the procedure and may call for additional help. Air embolism Sometimes during apheresis, an air bubble can enter the bloodstream. This can occur, for example, when there is a problem with the machine. If a blister reaches the lungs or brain, it can become life-threatening. Anyone who hears a bubbling noise from the injection site should alert the attendant. Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur after plasma donation: Cough

chest pain

changes in heart rate

confusion

other unusual symptoms What is a pulmonary embolism?

What to Expect Donating plasma takes longer than donating blood. In total, plasma donation takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, although the procedure itself only takes about 40 minutes. Also, on their first visit, a person should allow extra time for registration and filling out paperwork. Before Donation A donor center technician will: Ask the person about their health and medical history

Check the person’s blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and hemoglobin levels to make sure there is no anemia. During the donation The steps are as follows: The donor sits on a recliner chair or couch. After cleaning the donor’s arm, a phlebotomist or nurse will insert a new, sterile needle. The blood goes through the needle to a machine. The machine removes the plasma and returns the rest of the blood — including red blood cells, platelets, and a saline solution — to the person through the same needle. Once the donation is complete, the caregiver applies a bandage to stop bleeding and prevent infection. The donor rests for 10-15 minutes and has a snack and a drink. In a healthy adult, the body replaces the donated plasma within 48 hours. To discover more evidence-based information and resources on donating blood, visit our dedicated hub.

Tips for preventing side effects The risk of side effects from plasma donation is low. Still, it’s a good idea: Hydrate: Plasma is approximately 92% water, so it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water before and after donating to make up for the loss. Eat something: Eating a small meal or snack beforehand can reduce the likelihood of you feeling dizzy or light-headed during or after the donation. Take it easy on yourself: It can be a good idea to rest for the rest of the day, or at least avoid strenuous activities.

About a dozen years ago, there was a theory that donating blood could reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood iron levels and reducing plaque buildup in coronary arteries. Today, most cardiologists reject this theory.

But donating blood is still a good thing from a charitable perspective. Carter BloodCare, which supplies blood to North Texas communities, says it needs 1,100 donors a day to meet demand. Although people often rush to donate blood after a disaster, there is a continuing need for blood donations from healthy donors.

My patients often ask me, “As a cardiac patient, am I a ‘healthy donor’ who can safely donate blood?”

The answer: It depends.

Who is safe to donate blood?

The term “heart disease” encompasses a variety of conditions — arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, angina, congestive heart failure, and more — although most people think of narrowing of the arteries and heart attacks when they hear the word “heart disease.”

In general, it’s safe for many people with heart problems to donate blood – but it’s important to check with your doctor first. Your doctor can help you determine if your condition allows you to safely donate.

Patients with high blood pressure and no other problems can safely donate blood if their blood pressure is controlled with medication. Patients with arrhythmias can usually donate blood, although certain medications, such as warfarin, may make them ineligible.

Keep in mind that the organization you donate through may have blood donation restrictions that affect people with heart problems. Blood centers enforce these rules to protect both recipients and donors.

The Red Cross, for example, accepts blood donations from people who have had bypass surgery, angioplasty or a heart attack, but only if at least six months have passed since the incident and the patient’s medication has remained the same for those six months. Similarly, for patients with angina pectoris, the Red Cross requires that six months elapse after an episode before a donation is allowed.

Who shouldn’t donate blood?

People with heart failure should generally not donate blood. As heart failure patients accumulate extra fluid, it might seem like donating blood could improve their condition. Not only fluid is lost when donating blood, but also red blood cells.

People with heart failure have trouble getting oxygen to their bodies, and reducing the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells would make this problem worse. It takes up to two months for the red blood cells that are lost during a blood donation to be fully replenished. Heart failure patients should therefore choose another voluntary opportunity.

If you have a heart condition, talk to your doctor before donating blood. Ask your doctor to help you balance the benefits of donating with the risks of your condition. Donating blood is a great way to give back to the Dallas-Fort Worth community, but only if you don’t put yourself at risk.

Is donating plasma safe? Donations do a lot of good. Blood plasma is required for many modern medical therapies. These include treatments for immune system disorders, bleeding and respiratory diseases, as well as blood transfusions and wound healing. A plasma donation is necessary to collect enough plasma for medical treatments. For the most part, donating plasma is a safe process, but there are side effects. Plasma is a component of your blood. To donate plasma, blood is taken from your body and processed through a machine that separates and collects the plasma. The other blood components, such as red blood cells, are returned to your body mixed with saline to replace the plasma that was removed. Plasma donation can cause common but usually minor side effects, such as dehydration and fatigue. Serious side effects can also occur, although these are rare.

Dehydration plasma contains a lot of water. Because of this, some people become dehydrated after plasma donation. Dehydration after plasma donation is usually not serious.

Dizziness, fainting and lightheadedness Plasma is rich in nutrients and salts. These are important for keeping the body alert and functioning properly. The loss of some of these substances through plasma donation can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. This can cause dizziness, fainting and lightheadedness.

Fatigue Fatigue can occur when the body is low in nutrients and salts. Fatigue after plasma donation is another common side effect, but it’s usually mild.

Bruising and Discomfort Bruising and discomfort are among the milder and more common side effects of plasma donation. When the needle pierces the skin, you may experience a stinging sensation. You may also feel a dull, tugging sensation at the puncture site as blood is drawn from your vein, into the tubing, and then into the machine to collect your plasma. Bruising occurs when blood flows into soft tissues. This can happen when a needle punctures a vein and a small amount of blood comes out. For most people, bruising will go away within days or weeks. But if you have a blood clotting disorder, it may take longer.

Infection Any time a needle is used to puncture the skin, there is always a small risk of infection. Punctured skin tissue allows bacteria to enter from outside the body. The needle can carry bacteria not only under the surface of the skin, but also into a vein. This can lead to infection at the injection site and surrounding body tissues or in the blood. Signs of infection include skin that feels warm and tender and looks red and swollen, with pain in and around the injection site. If you notice signs of infection, it’s important to see a doctor right away to avoid complications.

Citrate reaction A citrate reaction is a very serious but very rare side effect of plasma donation. During a plasma donation, the technician infuses a substance known as an anticoagulant into the blood that is collected in the plasma separation machine before the blood is returned to your body. This anticoagulant is designed to prevent blood clots from forming. The plasma in the machine retains most of the citrate, but some also ends up in your bloodstream. In the body, citrate binds a small amount of calcium molecules together for a short time. Because this effect is small and temporary, most people do not experience any side effects from citrate. However, a small number of people who donate plasma experience what is known as a ‘citrate reaction’ due to the temporary loss of calcium. Signs of a citrate reaction include: numbness or tingling, particularly in the lips, fingers and toes

Feel the vibrations throughout your body

perceive a metallic taste

chills

Tremble

drowsiness

muscle twitches

a fast or slow pulse

Shortness of breath These symptoms can get worse if left untreated. Severe symptoms include: Convulsions

Vomit

shock

irregular pulse

cardiac arrest

Arterial puncture Arterial puncture is a very rare side effect that can occur whenever a needle is used to tap a vein. When donating plasma, a technician first inserts a needle into a vein in your arm. An artery puncture can happen when the technician accidentally misses your vein and hits an artery instead. Because arteries have higher blood pressure than veins, a puncture can cause bleeding into the arm tissue around the puncture site. Signs of an arterial puncture include faster blood flow and lighter-than-usual blood color flowing through the tubing to the machine that collects your plasma. The needle and tubing used appear to be moving or pulsing with the increased blood flow. You may feel faint pain near your elbow. If the needle accidentally hits an artery, the technician will remove it immediately and apply pressure to the needle puncture site for at least 10 minutes. Persistent bleeding from the needle insertion site after sustained pressure is rare but requires emergency medical attention.

Eating the right foods and drinking plenty of water is always important to your health. Before and after plasma donation, it’s even more important to focus on good nutrition. Follow these tips to prepare your body for donation and prepare yourself for a safe and successful plasma donation.

Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cell volume compared to your total blood volume. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body to support biological functions. More oxygen can mean improved cognition and increased endurance.

What is hematocrit?

Hematocrit (also known as HCT, packed cell volume, or PCV) is measured through routine laboratory testing. It is the percentage of red blood cells in your blood, or in other words the volume of red blood cells divided by the total blood volume [1, 2, 3].

Red blood cells come from the bone marrow, where they are made from stem cells. The body produces about 2 million red blood cells every second. Each red blood cell lives for about 120 days and then eventually ages, dies and is broken down by the spleen [4].

Red blood cells carry oxygen, so an increase in hematocrit also increases the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. However, a higher hematocrit also increases the thickness (viscosity) of blood, reducing its ability to flow through small blood vessels and reach tissues in the body. Therefore, a higher hematocrit is not always better for health [5].

Hematocrit affects a variety of processes, from affecting the accuracy of blood glucose measurements to controlling the behavior of platelets and blood clotting proteins [6, 7, 8].

Based on a hematocrit measurement, further values ​​can be calculated that are used for prediction, estimation or evaluation [9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16]:

disease risk

severity of the disease

Operational Risks

Blood viscosity (which is related to blood flow)

blood loss

Rate of treatment required (e.g. one dose).

Test results depend on a number of factors, from the type of device used to take the measurement to whether you’ve been drinking enough fluids [17, 2].

Dehydration is a common cause of high hematocrit levels [2].

Sitting (as opposed to lying down) during a blood draw can also improve your results [18].

normal values

Laboratory results are commonly presented as a series of values ​​called the “reference range” and sometimes referred to as the “normal range.” A reference range includes the upper and lower limits of a laboratory test based on a panel of otherwise healthy individuals.

Your doctor will compare your hematocrit readings to reference values ​​to determine if your results are outside the range of expected values. This allows you and your healthcare provider to receive clues to identify possible conditions or illnesses.

Keep in mind that there is some variability from lab to lab due to differences in equipment, techniques, and chemicals used. Don’t panic if your result in the app is slightly out of range – as long as it’s within the normal range based on the lab that performed the test, your reading is normal.

However, it is important to remember that a normal test does not mean that a specific condition is absent. Your doctor will interpret your hematocrit results in conjunction with your medical history and other test results.

However, remember that a single test is not enough to make a diagnosis. Your doctor will interpret this test based on your medical history and other tests. A slightly low/high result may not be of medical significance as this test often varies from day to day and from person to person.

Normal hematocrit ranges are 40-54% for males, 36-48% for females, and 30-43% for children [2].

However, the typical hematocrit value may vary between populations depending on genetic and environmental factors as well as the different measurement techniques used [19].

The hematocrit value can fluctuate from day to day or over a longer period of time depending on, among other things, altitude, season, exercise, diet and pregnancy [20, 21, 22, 23, 24].

Hematocrit is a useful diagnostic tool because it can change in a generally predictable way when a health problem occurs [25].

polycythemia

With polycythemia, your blood contains a higher percentage of red blood cells than normal. Polycythemia can be “primary,” meaning there’s a problem with the way your body makes red blood cells, or “secondary,” meaning the problem is an adaptation to another influence. For example, your body can produce more red blood cells because it isn’t getting enough oxygen [26].

Symptoms of polycythemia can include:

Blurred vision

bruises

dizziness

fatigue

headache

joint pain

stomach pain

Weakness

A high hematocrit can increase eye pressure, PO2 (the amount of oxygen in your blood), muscle oxygenation, and grip strength [27, 28, 29, 30].

A high hematocrit can reduce clearance of a drug from your body and slow blood flow [31, 32].

The following conditions are commonly associated with high hematocrit levels, but this single symptom is not sufficient for a diagnosis. Work with your doctor to find out what underlying condition could be causing your abnormally high reading on this test and to develop an appropriate plan to improve your health:

Capillary leak syndrome (leaky blood vessels) [33]

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (dysregulated steroid hormones) [34]

CF [35]

Dengue fever [36]

Ebola [37]

Eclampsia (pregnancy complications) [38]

Erythrocytosis (high red blood cell count) [39]

heart disease

Hypertension (high blood pressure) [40]

Hyponatraemia (low sodium levels in the blood) [41]

Hypoxia (low oxygen) [42, 43]

Insulin resistance [44]

Metabolic syndrome [45]

Altitude sickness (at high altitudes) [46]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [47]

Necrotizing pancreatitis (e.g. due to alcohol abuse) [48, 49]

Sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep) [50]

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (e.g. due to fertility treatments) [51]

kidney disease [52]

Polycythemia vera (a blood cancer) [53]

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (e.g. due to hypertension) [54, 55]

Postpartum depression [56]

Prediabetes [57]

Retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels in the eye) [58]

shock [59]

thrombocythemia (high blood platelets)

thrombosis (blood clot) [60]

When high scores are good

A high hematocrit has a number of potential health benefits. It can:

Increase in cognitive function [61]

Improvement in athletic performance [62]

reduce aging [63]

Reduce the risk of ulcers [64]

Reduction of caries risk [65]

Reduce risk of death from heart failure [66]

When high scores are bad

The following diseases have been associated with high hematocrit levels. Keep in mind that the studies have not identified this parameter as the cause. A high hematocrit does not necessarily mean you will develop these conditions:

stroke [67]

heart disease [68]

Poor results in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [69]

Poor outcomes in sepsis (inflammatory response to infection) [70]

Poor results in gangrene [71]

anemia

Low hematocrit, or anemia, can be caused by blood loss, fewer red blood cells made by the body, or increased red blood cell destruction. Symptoms of anemia can include difficulty breathing, dizziness, headache, cold skin, pale skin, and chest pain [72].

In some cases, anemia may be signaled by pica, a craving for unusual foods or non-foods (eg, ice cream, crunchy foods, salty foods, clay, dirt) that resolves with iron supplementation [73].

The following conditions are commonly associated with low hematocrit levels, but this single symptom is not sufficient for a diagnosis. Work with your doctor to find out what underlying condition could be causing your abnormally low reading on this test and to develop an appropriate plan to improve your health:

Alzheimer’s disease [74]

anemia [75]

arthritis

Autism Spectrum Disorder [76]

Bipolar Disorder [77]

Bone Marrow Diseases

cerebral palsy [78]

Cirrhosis (liver disease) [79]

Depression [80]

Dyspepsia (stomach problems) [81]

Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) [82]

Fibromyalgia [83]

Growth hormone deficiency [84]

Hematoma (abnormal blood collection) [85]

Hemophilia (a bleeding disorder) [86]

HIV [87]

Hypotension (low blood pressure) [88]

hypothermia [89]

infection

Inflammatory diseases

Kidney disease or failure [90]

leukemia

Massive blood loss (eg, from trauma, cancer, internal bleeding)

Nutrient deficiencies (e.g. iron deficiency, folic acid, vitamin B12) [79]

Parasitemia (parasites in the blood, e.g. in malaria) [91]

Periodontitis (gum disease) [92]

Sepsis (inflammatory reaction to infection) [93]

shock

sickle cell anemia [94]

Systemic sclerosis (an autoimmune disease) [95]

thalassemia

Type 1 diabetes [96]

When low values ​​are good

A low hematocrit has some potential health benefits. It can [62, 97]:

Increase VO2 max (the maximum amount of oxygen you can use during an intense workout)

Reduce the risk of seizures

When low values ​​are bad

There are health risks associated with low hematocrit. A low hematocrit can increase the length of hospital stay after surgery. It may also increase the risks of [98]:

Complications from the operation [99]

wound infection [100]

Readmission to hospital after surgery [101]

Need for a blood transfusion [102]

Tuberculosis [103]

Ischemia (restricted blood flow to a part of the body) [104]

Bad result after injury [105, 106]

Poor result in pneumonia [107]

Keep in mind that the studies did not identify this parameter as the cause of these complications. A high hematocrit does not necessarily mean you will develop these conditions.

How to increase hematocrit

You may be increasing your hematocrit or have a naturally higher hematocrit without realizing it. This can have the following causes:

Adaptation to high altitude [108]

Alcohol consumption [109]

being male [110]

overweight [111]

Mental stress [112]

Military training [113]

smoke cigarettes [114]

Space [115]

Pollution at the workplace [116, 117]

Your sleeping position (head down) [118]

How to raise the level naturally

If your hematocrit is too low, the most important thing is to work with your doctor to find out what’s causing the low level and to treat any underlying medical conditions. The additional lifestyle changes listed below are additional strategies you may want to discuss with your doctor. None of these should ever be implemented in place of what your doctor recommends or prescribes!

You can increase your hematocrit by consuming foods or supplements that increase iron. For example, you can increase your hematocrit by eating or drinking [119]:

almonds

artichokes

beans

Chickpeas

dried fruit

Fermented Foods

fish and shellfish

linseed oil

Leafy Vegetables

Foods fortified with iron

lenses

Millet (shown by an animal study)

molasses

pomegranate juice

plum juice

pumpkin seed

soybeans or tofu

Since vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, you can increase hematocrit by consuming fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as [119]:

broccoli

Cauliflower

cabbage

Cantaloupe melon

kiwi

pepper

potatoes

strawberries

tomatoes

In addition, copper helps prevent anemia by aiding in iron storage and absorption. You can increase hematocrit by consuming foods rich in copper, such as:

cashew nuts

Sesame seeds

Shiitake mushrooms

sunflower seeds

tempeh

walnuts

Medical treatments that increase the level

Hematocrit can be increased medicinally with:

Blood transfusion (e.g. blood doping) [120]

Treatment with erythropoietin [121, 122]

Norepinephrine [123]

Testosterone therapy [124]

These treatments often have purposes other than increasing hematocrit levels and must always be performed under medical supervision.

Drugs that increase the level

Some medications can increase your hematocrit if you’re already taking them for another medical condition, but never start taking them or increase your dose for this purpose. Always follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.

Drugs used to treat hypogonadism (insufficient testosterone), organ transplant recipients, anemia, surgical blood loss (reducing blood loss), uterine fibroids, Crohn’s disease, and arthritis may increase hematocrit [125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132].

Hematocrit can also be increased by taking:

Dogmatics [133]

Hydroxyurea [134]

Polyethylene Glycol [135]

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors [136]

steroids [137]

Tongkat Ali [138]

Tranexamic acid [139]

How to reduce hematocrit

You can reduce your hematocrit without realizing it due to:

be farmer [140]

Being a trained athlete [141]

being pregnant [142]

Contaminated drinking water [143]

Exposure to allergens [144]

Workplace exposure [145]

How to reduce hematocrit naturally

If your hematocrit is too high, the most important thing is to work with your doctor to find out what’s causing the high and treat any underlying medical conditions. The additional lifestyle changes listed below are additional strategies you may want to discuss with your doctor. None of these should ever be implemented in place of what your doctor recommends or prescribes!

You can lower your hematocrit by making the following dietary changes:

Avoidance of iron supplements [146]

Eat more bran (it interferes with iron absorption) [147]

Stay hydrated [148]

Avoidance of alcohol [109]

Eat more grapefruit [149]

Get more antioxidants [150]

Additionally, you can try the following lifestyle interventions:

Moderate physical activity [151, 152, 153]

Moving to a lower altitude [108]

quit smoking [114]

Medical treatments that lower the level

Hematocrit can be medically lowered by (or as a side effect of):

blood donation [154]

Anesthesia [123]

Cardiopulmonary bypass (artificial circulation during surgery) [155, 156]

Immunoglobulin treatment [157]

Positive airway pressure therapy for sleep apnea [158]

Radiation therapy [159]

These treatments often serve purposes other than lowering hematocrit levels and must always be performed under medical supervision.

Drugs that lower the level

Some medications can lower your hematocrit if you’re already taking them for another medical condition, but never start taking them or increase your dose for this purpose. Always follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.

Medications for mountain (altitude) disease, polycythemia vera (a blood cancer), type 2 diabetes, male contraception, and malaria can lower hematocrit [160, 161, 162, 163, 164].

Hematocrit can also be reduced by taking:

ACE inhibitors (e.g. for high blood pressure) [165]

Aspirin [166]

desmopressin [167]

Finasteride [168]

Glycerol [169]

Ibuprofen [170]

Metformin [171]

Misoprostol [172]

Rivaroxaban [173]

Tocolytics [174]

Hematocrit Genetics

Hematocrit levels are influenced by your genes.

If you’ve sequenced your genes, SelfDecode can help you determine if your levels are high or low because of your genes, and then pinpoint what to do about it.

If you’re tired of guessing about your health, SelfDecode can help you find specific answers that traditional doctors/diagnostics may never uncover.

Donating plasma is equivalent to burning 450-625 calories depending on the amount of plasma you donate. Plasma donation burns calories because your body has to use the food you eat to replenish the fluids, sugars, and proteins lost during donation. However, donating plasma and blood is not a means of weight loss. Plasma can be donated a maximum of 2 times a week. Experts agree that losing weight requires engaging in calorie-burning activity at least three times a week.

How many calories does plasma donation burn?

The exact number of calories you burn by donating plasma depends on the amount of plasma you donate. The breakdown is as follows:

690 ml plasma: 450-500 calories

: 450-500 calories 825 ml plasma : 550-600 calories

: 550-600 calories 880mL plasma: 600-625 calories

However, you can’t always choose how much plasma you donate when going through the donation process. The amount of plasma collected is based on your weight. If your weight is 67 kg or less, you can donate a maximum of 690 milliliters of plasma. If you weigh 68-79 kg, you can donate up to 825 milliliters of plasma. Donors weighing 80 kg or more can donate up to 880 milliliters of plasma per donation.

Why does plasma donation burn calories?

Donating plasma is tantamount to “burning” calories because calories are being removed from your body during the donation process. That’s because your plasma contains proteins and sugars. When this plasma is donated, your body must use the food from your next meal to replenish your plasma. This means calories that could otherwise be converted to fat are converted to plasma.

Plasma donation literally removes calories from your body.

Blood plasma contains proteins, sugars, and other compounds that your body needs to replenish with calories from food.

Your body prioritizes plasma replenishment after donation, so your post-donation calories are used for plasma formation rather than fat storage.

Donating plasma is not a calorie burn in the sense that running or lifting weights burns calories. Activity burns calories by using stored energy to work your muscles. Plasma donation, on the other hand, simply removes the calorie content from your body. So you’re losing calories and not gaining weight by donating plasma, but you’re not increasing your fitness level.

Why plasma donation is not a weight loss tool

Plasma donation is not a shortcut to weight loss as it is unsafe to combine plasma donation with an extremely restricted diet. To avoid fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and fainting, you must eat well and rehydrate for the 24 hours following plasma donation. Combining donations with a very restricted diet can severely exhaust you and impair your body’s ability to recover.

Plasma donation should never be used as a weight loss strategy.

Inadequate food and drink after a plasma donation can lead to dizziness, fatigue, nausea and fainting.

In order to lose weight, it is important to burn over 300 calories three times a week.

Plasma can be donated a maximum of twice a week.

Studies have shown that it is important to burn calories at least three times a week to trigger weight loss. You can only donate plasma twice a week. So you won’t burn enough calories just by donating plasma to lose any significant weight. Instead, it’s best to stay healthy. Replenish your body with plenty of food and water and rest for 24 hours after plasma donation.

How to stay healthy after a plasma donation

It is important that you do not exercise within 24 hours of donating plasma. Your body needs time to rest and recover. To support this process, you should first rest for at least 8 hours. Then drink lots of water. Eat iron-rich meals like meat, fish, tofu, beans, and nuts. Also, avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and other drugs for at least 24 hours after donating.

Get at least 8 hours of sleep in the next 24 hours.

Hydrate with plenty of water.

Eat a high-protein meal with meat, fish, tofu, whole grains, beans, and/or nuts.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and other drugs for 24 hours.

While you may feel like eating a hearty meal after donating plasma, all the calories you’ve “burned” from donating will be wiped out, but it’s important to put your health first . Plasma donation is completely safe for healthy individuals, but you can endanger your own health and cause iron deficiency by not eating enough after donating.

Can you lose weight with plasma?

You may have heard that donating plasma burns calories. While that’s partly true, there’s more to the story than that. Here are the facts:

Donating plasma is equivalent to burning 450-625 calories.

You lose calories during donation because plasma contains high-calorie proteins and sugars.

It is important to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water after plasma donation to allow your body to recover.

After plasma donation with reduced meals, you may be at risk of post-donation side effects such as nausea and fainting.

Do not use plasma donation as a substitute for diet and exercise.

Weight loss requires you to burn calories at least three times a week – plasma donation can only be done twice a week.

Plasma donation is an act of heroism that helps save lives. If you are a healthy person considering a plasma donation, making the donation is great for your community and those in need. However, do not use plasma donation as a weight loss strategy. This could endanger your own health by causing dehydration and iron deficiency.

Accept COVID cookie

IBTS COVID-19 measures to protect donors and staff:

Consistent with other health environments, IBTS will continue to employ COVID-19 safety measures to protect our donors and staff:

clinic security

Appointments: All clinics are now appointment based – to make an appointment call 1800 731 137. First-time donors are very welcome. Donors should arrive at the clinic on time to maintain a constant flow of donors through the clinic.

All clinics are now appointment based – to book an appointment call 1800 731 137. First-time donors are very welcome. Donors should arrive at the clinic on time to maintain a constant flow of donors through the clinic. Face masks: Medical (surgical) face masks are mandatory and available at the clinic. The only exception to this is if a donor cannot wear a surgical mask for health reasons, e.g. allergic to latex. In this case, a clean reusable mask must be worn. IBTS staff wear masks throughout the process. Hand gel is provided and must be used by all donors.

Additional Covid donation restrictions

Covid-19 Symptoms: You can donate 7 days after Covid-19 once you are fully recovered and asymptomatic. You can now participate even with a slight residual cough. At the clinic, you will be asked questions to ensure you are fully recovered and ready to donate. Please call our donor hotline if you have been seriously ill or in hospital.

You can donate 7 days after Covid-19 once you are fully recovered and asymptomatic. You can now participate even with a slight residual cough. At the clinic, you will be asked questions to ensure you are fully recovered and ready to donate. Please call our donor hotline if you have been seriously ill or in hospital. Close contacts: You can donate if you are a Covid contact as soon as you are healthy and asymptomatic.

You can donate if you are a Covid contact once you are healthy and asymptomatic. Appointments: Please endeavor to make your appointment if you are still eligible as there are currently 400 appointments per week that are missed for various reasons, severely impacting the care provided to our hospitals.

Please make every effort to keep your appointment if you are still eligible, as 400 appointments per week are currently missed for various reasons, which severely affects our ability to supply our hospitals. Covid-19 Vaccine/Booster: You must wait 48 hours before donating after an HPRA-approved vaccination/booster once you are well and asymptomatic.

You must wait 48 hours before donating after an HPRA-approved vaccination/boost once you are well and asymptomatic. Healthcare workers: can donate if they have been in contact with a suspected/confirmed case of Covid-19 once they are healthy

can donate if they have been in contact with a suspected/confirmed case of Covid-19 once they have been healthy within the last 2 years and are otherwise eligible.

Further information on the applicable Covid-19 measures can be found here. Thank you for your donation, your help and cooperation.

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