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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 200 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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