Did you know that blood type has linkages with heart disease? According to recent research, people with blood type AB have a higher risk of heart disease compared to blood group O.
This study reviewed the two Harvard study that followed nearly 90,000 people for more than 20 years. In conclusion, the risk of coronary heart disease vary depending on blood type.
People with type O blood have the lowest risk, while blood type AB have 23 percent more likely to develop coronary heart disease. Moreover, the blood group B by 11 percent, while the blood group A only 5 percent.
"Because people are not likely to change their blood group, our findings may help doctors to better understand who is at risk for heart disease," says researcher, an assistant professor of nutrition at the Harvrad School of Public Health, Boston.
Relationship with blood group was conducted after researcher see other variables that can lead to heart disease such as cholesterol, diabetes disease, and hypertension.
The results were surprising, said a cardiologist and spokesperson for the American Heart Association. While other small studies have suggested that there is a correlation. This study is the first large-scale study that supports the correlation.
Researchers found a correlation between blood group with risk of heart disease, not causality. Other researchers said the mechanisms that could explain the relationship, such as a blood relationship with certain types of cholesterol, and the relationship between blood group AB with high inflammation.
This relationship was found in a small study, so further research is needed to explain the correlation.
According to he, although further research is still needed, blood type can be included in the list for consideration when assessing the patient's doctor about the risks of heart disease, because the test could reveal it's not expensive, and without effect.
To reduce the risk of heart disease, one must exercise, eat right and manage your weight and cholesterol control diligent.
"Knowing that your blood type can increase the risk of heart disease may also increase the motivation of the people to keep themselves and stop bad habits," he added.
According to the American Red Cross, blood type O is the most common, followed by A, B and AB. About 45 percent white, 51 percent black, 57 percent Hispanic and 40 percent of Asians have blood type O.
Type A: 40 percent white, 26 percent black, 31 percent Hispanic and 28 percent Asian.
Type B: 11 percent white, 19 percent black, 10 percent Hispanic and 25 percent Asian.
Type AB: 4 percent of whites and blacks, 2 percent of Hispanics and 7 percent from Asia.
