Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world, including in Israel. According to data from the Ministry of Health, 1 out of every 4 deaths in Israel is caused by heart disease. But a new study indicates that a simple, altruistic, everyday action can contribute to heart health: Donating blood.
It is estimated that a single blood donation can save three people. Beyond saving lives, it turns out that donating blood may also benefit the donor – especially for heart and vascular health.
The possible link between blood donation and heart health is likely related to two main mechanisms:
1. Excess iron in the body
Studies show that men and postmenopausal women – populations with high iron levels – are at increased risk for heart disease.
Excess iron in the body can harm blood vessels, damage arterial walls, accelerate oxidation processes, and increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.
Women of reproductive age lose iron through menstruation, but men – and women after menopause – do not have such a natural mechanism. In this case, donating blood can serve as an effective way to remove excess iron.
2. Blood viscosity
Blood viscosity – the stickiness or thickness of the blood – directly affects the functioning of blood vessels.
Thick blood makes it harder for the heart to pump blood through the body and forces it to work harder. High hemoglobin levels increase blood viscosity, which raises the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.
Donating blood helps reduce blood viscosity, and thus may reduce the strain on the heart and improve blood flow – which lowers blood pressure.
And what does science say?
A review published in 2022 included 44 studies on the subject. Of these, nine found that donating blood may provide some protection against heart attacks, while five found no effect on cardiovascular risk factors.
An article published in the journal Diabetic Care compared those who donated blood frequently (up to three times a year) with those who donated less than once a year and found that donors had better blood flow in their blood vessels.
However, the researchers warned about what they called the “Healthy Donor Effect” – meaning, the results may not stem from the blood donation itself, but from the fact that blood donors are often healthier to begin with. People suffering from chronic diseases or health problems tend to donate blood less often or not at all, while regular donors are often people with healthy lifestyles, which may distort the conclusions.
In conclusion, blood donation is a simple action, but one with double significance: It saves lives – and may also help maintain your health. Is it a safe and proven way to prevent heart disease? Not yet definitively. But if you are healthy, meet the medical criteria, and wish to donate – it can be a wonderful way to do good for others and for your own body.
Any healthy person aged 17–70 and weighing over 50 kg can donate blood up to 4 times a year, and the body compensates for the loss within a few days. Blood components (such as platelets) can be donated every 3 weeks.