One of the deadly disease heart attack may be linked to blood type, according to new Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) research.
People with type A, type B or type AB blood are more likely to have a heart attack or heart failure than people with type O, according to the American Heart Association.
While the increased risk is small (types A or B had a combined 8% higher risk of heart attack and 10% increased risk of heart failure, according to one large study) the difference in blood clotting rates is much higher, per the AHA.
The researchers have also found that people with blood type AB were 23% more likely to develop heart disease than others. Those with type B had an 11% increased risk, and those with type A had a 5% increased risk.
The proteins present in type A and type B blood may cause more blockage or thickening in the veins and arteries, leading to an increased risk of clotting and heart disease.
According to the European Society of Cardiology, the heightened risk of heart attack or heart failure between the non-O blood types may be due to the fact that they are more likely to develop blood clots. The researchers from the 2017 study explained that non-O blood group carriers have greater concentrations of von Willebrand factor, a blood clotting protein which has been associated with thrombotic events.
Blood clots play a major role in heart attacks, as they can block the coronary artery and starve the heart muscle of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in a heart attack.
Severe COVID-19 disease often causes heart problems, blood clotting and other cardiovascular issues.
(Inputs from Agencies)
Ms Kalinga