What does your blood type mean for heart health, according to science?

As none of us know when we see it, running through our veins every second every day is a small variation of grouping our blood: A +, A-, B +, B-, O-, O +, AB + and AB-.

These slight differences are usually not important until they occur Matter -Learn what type you are when you are in a hospital that needs a blood transfusion or after donating blood.some people Find during pregnancyIf a person with a negative blood type needs special treatment.

However, ongoing research on blood types suggests that it may be more important than we think, at least when assessing certain health conditions, especially the risk of heart disease. These invisible differences in the blood can give some people an advantage in avoiding cardiovascular problems and leave others more sensitive.

What do blood types mean and how do they differ?

The letters A, B, and O represent different forms of the ABO gene, which program different blood cells to form different blood types. For example, if you have type AB blood, your body is programmed to produce A and B antigens on red blood cells. People with O-type blood do not produce antigens.

Blood is said to be “positive” or “negative” based on the presence of protein in red blood cells.If your blood contains protein, you Rh positive..

People with O-blood type are “Universal donor“Their blood does not contain antigens or proteins, so anyone can accept it in an emergency.

But why are there different blood types? The researchers don’t know it completely, Where did someone’s ancestors come from According to Dr. Douglas Guggenheim, a hematologist at PennMedicine, past infections that spurred protective mutations in the blood may have contributed to diversity. People with ABO blood group may get sick choleraFor example, people who have type A or type B blood are more likely to experience blood clotting problems. Our blood cannot keep up with the various biological or viral threats that occur in real time, but it may reflect what happened in the past.

“In short, it seems that the body has evolved around its environment to protect it as much as possible,” says Guggenheim.

Blood type with the highest risk of heart disease

People with type A, type B, or type AB blood More likely than type O people According to the American Heart Association, having a heart attack or experiencing heart failure.

The increased risk is modest (Type A or B has an 8% higher risk of heart attack and a 10% higher risk of heart failure. One large study) According to AHA, the difference in blood coagulation rates is much larger. People in the same study with type A and type B blood were 51% more likely to develop Deep vein thrombosis There is a 47% increase in the chance of developing pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is a severe blood clot disorder that can increase the risk of heart failure.

According to Guggenheim, the reason for this increased risk may be related to the inflammation that occurs in the body of people with type A, B, or AB blood. Proteins present in type A and type B blood can cause more “occlusions” or “thickening” in veins and arteries, increasing the risk of coagulation and heart disease.

Guggenheim also believes that this may explain an anecdotal (but not definitive) reduction in the risk of severe COVID-19 disease in people with ABO blood group. Inspired research.. Severe COVID-19 disease often causes heart problems, blood clotting, and other cardiovascular problems.

Other results of blood type

People with type O blood have a slightly lower risk of heart disease and blood clots, but may be more susceptible to bleeding and bleeding disorders.This may be especially true after childbirth, according to studies on Postpartum blood lossFound that women with ABO blood group are at high risk.

According to one study, people with ABO blood group may also have worse post-traumatic fares due to increased blood loss. Posted in Critical Care..

Other studies Increased risk of cognitive impairment People with type AB blood when compared to people with type O. Cognitive impairment includes memory, concentration, or decision-making problems.

Do I need to change my lifestyle based on my blood type?

Currently available studies show that blood types can be scaled in terms of the risk of developing heart disease, but there are significant factors such as diet, exercise, and even the level of pollution exposed in the community. Factors are also a major player in determining heart health.

Guggenheim states that for patients trying to keep their heart healthy, regardless of blood type, there are no special recommendations he makes other than a good heart-healthy diet that reduces inflammation.

However, he states that future studies may provide a more definitive way for doctors to treat patients based on blood type. All factors are considered equally, and patients with healthy cholesterol levels and type A blood may benefit from taking aspirin daily, but for people in the same boat with type O blood. It may not be necessary.

“A balanced, heart-healthy diet will generally be recommended by every doctor. I don’t think ABO will change that,” says Guggenheim.

“I don’t think there is a protective benefit just to have ABO blood group that helps to be Scott-free,” he added.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informative purposes only and is not intended for health or medical advice. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medical condition or health goals.