You shouldn't donate blood. When you donate blood you will temporarily decrease the oxygen carrying capacity of your blood. Until your hemoglobin has been replaced (7-10 days), your cardiovascular system will adapt by increasing your heart rate for any level of exercise.Originally Posted by mesophyte
There are many reasons one may become anemic. Although anemic athletes most commonly suffer from iron deficiency anemia, dilutional anemia, and exertional hemolysis. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in athletes. Dilutional anemia occures when the body becomes dehydrated from exercise. The pituitary and kidneys sense this leading to fluid retention when you are able to rehydrate. This type of anemia is directly correlated to the intensity of the workout. Exertional hemolysis is most commonly affects runners but has been documented in weightlifters. Factors that can lead to exertional hemolysis are elevated temp in the working muscles, elevated acid concentration in the working muscles, variation in pressure of blood vessels, and mechanical impact or trauma.
Reply With Quote