Do you know what blood type you are?
On the surface, you wouldn't know it, yet microscopic differences in your blood flow through your veins every second of every day, classifying your blood into one of these groups: A+, A-, B+, B-, O-, O+, AB+, AB-, and Rhnull are the multiple types. Unless you've given blood, received a transfusion, or discovered you're pregnant, you've probably never given it a second thought.
Blood type may matter more than we think, according to ongoing study, at least when assessing risk for some health diseases, including heart disease. These imperceptible changes in blood may provide some people an advantage in avoiding cardiovascular diseases while making others more vulnerable.
What does blood type signify, and how does it differ from other blood types?
The letters A, B, and O stand for different variants of the ABO gene, which program human blood cells to produce different blood groups in different ways. Your body is built to create A and B antigens on red blood cells if you have type AB blood, for example. Antigens are not produced by people with type O blood.
The presence of proteins on red blood cells determines whether blood is "positive" or "negative." Rh positive means your blood contains proteins.
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People with type O- blood are referred to as "universal donors" since their blood has no antigens or proteins, allowing it to be accepted by any body in an emergency.
But why do distinct blood types exist? According to Dr. Douglas Guggenheim, a hematologist at Penn Medicine, factors like as where someone's ancestors came from and previous infections that spurred defensive changes in the blood may have contributed to the diversity. People with type O blood are more likely to get sick from cholera, while those with type A or B blood are more likely to have blood coagulation problems. While our blood can't keep up with the various biological or viral hazards that circulate in real time, it may represent what has occurred previously.
"In short," Guggenheim argues, "it's almost as if the body has developed around its surroundings in order to defend it as best it can."
The blood types that are most susceptible to heart disease
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According to the American Heart Association, those with type A, type B, or type AB blood are more likely than people with type O blood to suffer a heart attack or develop heart failure.
While the risk of heart attack and heart failure is minor (types A and B had a combined 8% greater risk of heart attack and 10% higher risk of heart failure in one big research), the difference in blood clotting rates is significantly higher, according to the AHA. People with type A and B blood were 51 percent and 47 percent more likely, respectively, to develop deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, both of which are serious blood clotting diseases that can increase the risk of heart failure.
According to Guggenheim, one cause for this elevated risk could be inflammation in the bodies of those with type A, type B, or type AB blood. Type A and type B blood proteins may create more "blockage" or "thickening" in the veins and arteries, increasing the risk of clotting and heart disease.
Guggenheim also believes that this could explain the anecdotal (but still unconfirmed) reduction in the risk of severe COVID-19 disease in people with type O blood, which has sparked investigation. Heart difficulties, blood clotting, and other cardiovascular disorders are common with severe COVID-19 disease.
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Other implications of blood type
People with type O blood have a lower risk of heart disease and blood clotting, but they are more likely to experience hemorrhaging or bleeding disorders. According to a study on postpartum blood loss, which indicated an elevated risk in women with type O blood, this may be especially true after childbirth.
According to a study published in Critical Care, those with type O blood may fare worse after a catastrophic injury due to higher blood loss.
According to other research, people with type AB blood may have a higher risk of cognitive impairment than people with type O blood. Memory, concentration, and decision-making problems are all examples of cognitive impairment.
Should my lifestyle be changed as a result of my blood type?
While new research suggests that blood type can influence a person's chance of getting heart disease, other important factors such as nutrition, exercise, and even the degree of pollution in your neighborhood are all important in predicting heart health.
Guggenheim believes that regardless of a person's blood type, he would advocate a good heart-friendly diet that minimizes inflammation to patients aiming to maintain their hearts healthy.
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Future study, he says, may provide more definitive ways for doctors to treat patients depending on their blood type. Taking aspirin every day may benefit a patient with healthy cholesterol levels and type A blood, but it may not be necessary for a patient with type O blood.
"Any physician is going to advocate a well-balanced, heart-healthy diet in general, and I would say that ABO doesn't change that," Guggenheim adds.
He adds, "I don't believe there's a protective effect to having type O blood that correlates to being scot-free."
Written by: @azuramae for MegaFlash XYZ on the Guest Post
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The information in this article is provided solely for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to be used as medical or health advice. If you have any questions about a medical condition or your health goals, you should always visit a physician or another trained health expert.
