Blood Type O Linked to Lower Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke, and Blood Clots, New Research Shows
Boston, MA – Individuals with blood type O may have a meaningful advantage when it comes to cardiovascular health, according to a growing body of research. Studies indicate those with type O blood demonstrate a reduced risk of experiencing heart attacks, strokes, and hazardous blood clots compared to individuals with other blood types.
A 2020 study published in the American Heart Journal found that people with blood types A and B were 51% more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis and 47% more likely to develop a pulmonary embolism compared to those with type O blood. Researchers also observed an 8% higher risk of heart attack and a 10% higher risk of heart failure in individuals with blood types A and B.
These findings align with a 2017 study conducted by the European Society of Cardiology, which revealed “a 9% increase in the risk of cardiovascular events, especially myocardial infarction” in people who were not blood group O.
Further bolstering the connection, a review of 48 studies published in Neurology demonstrated that blood type can influence stroke risk, particularly early-onset strokes. The research showed people with blood group A had a 16% higher risk of early stroke, while those with blood group O had a 12% lower risk compared to other blood types.
Researchers hypothesize these differences might potentially be linked to higher levels of a protein associated with thrombosis and increased levels of a substance linked to inflammation in individuals without type O blood.
Despite these correlations, experts emphasize that blood type is not yet a definitive cardiovascular risk factor. “There is not yet enough evidence for blood type to be considered a cardiovascular risk factor,” researchers state.
Hematologist Raymond Comenzo of tufts Medicine emphasizes the importance of preventative measures. “There are many ways people with these blood types can minimize thier risk. These include exercising, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and making other similar lifestyle changes,” he explained.
