produce vein and artery “blockage” or “thickening,” increasing clotting and heart disease risk.
Guggenheim believes this may also represent the anecdotal (but inconclusive) reduction in risk of severe COVID-19 illness in type O blood donors. COVID-19 may cause cardiac difficulties, blood clotting, and other complications.
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Other Consequences Of Blood Type
People with type O blood have a decreased risk of heart disease and blood clots but may be more prone to hemorrhaging. Research on postpartum blood loss indicated an increased risk among type O women.
The research found that people with type O blood may fare worse after trauma due to higher blood loss. People with type AB blood may be more prone to cognitive impairment than those with type O. Memory, attention, and decision-making problems are cognitive impairments.
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Should I Change My Lifestyle Based On My Blood Type?
Blood type may affect a person’s risk of heart disease, although diet, exercise, and neighborhood pollution are bigger contributors. Guggenheim recommends a heart-healthy diet that decreases inflammation for all patients, regardless of blood type.
Future studies might give more definite blood type treatments, he says. A patient with good cholesterol and type A blood may benefit from daily aspirin, whereas a person with type O blood may not.
“Any doctor will advocate a heart-healthy diet, and ABO doesn’t alter that,” Guggenheim added. “I don’t believe type O blood protects you,” he said.
Blood Type Considered In Cardiovascular Risk Assessments
New research reveals that blood type O protects against heart attack and stroke, whereas AB increases risk. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight are quantifiable heart disease risk factors.
Blood type may also be relevant, says Harvard researcher Lu Qi, MD, Ph.D. “Blood types can’t be changed.” This information may help us evaluate a patient’s heart disease risk and how to treat them.
Type O is 50% of Americans. About 45% of whites, 51% of African-Americans, 57% of Hispanics, and 40% of Asians have the blood type. AB blood is uncommon. Only 4% of whites and Blacks, 2% of Hispanics, and 7% of Asians have it. Qi and colleagues integrated two major studies that tracked 90,000 people for at least 20 years.
AB blood types are 23% more prone to heart disease than type O. Blood type A was 5% riskier. Blood type B was 11% riskier. A blood type is connected to higher amounts of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and AB to inflammation, which is linked to heart disease. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology published the results.