You must be at least 17 years old to donate to the general blood supply, or 16 years old with parental/guardian consent, if allowed by state law. Learn more about the reasons for a lower age limit.
Other Causes of Elevated Heart Rate. Elevated heart rate when sick is actually your heartâs aid in order to quell the sickness. However, there can be other causes for elevated heart rate as well. Electrical signals produced and sent to the heart tissues are responsible for controlling the heart rate.
Heart palpitations. Palpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. The heart's rhythm may be normal or abnormal when you have palpitations. Normally the heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute. The rate may drop below 60 beats per minute in people who exercise routinely or take medicines that slow the heart.