People with blood group A, B or AB are more likely to develop heart disease than people with the most common group 0, according to a study by scientists from the United States. With the AB group, the risk increases by 20 percent.
About 90.000 men and women were included in the study in two observational studies over a 20-year period. A total of 4 people developed heart disease. The researchers also took into account factors such as age, diet, drinking alcohol, and family history of having a heart attack.
The risk of developing the disease in group A was 8 percent, 11 percent in B and as much as 20 percent in AB.
Those who know about the increased risk may be more motivated to change to lower their chances of developing heart disease, said Dr. Lu Qi, lead author of the study at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.
The study did not look at how the blood group influences the disease, however it was noted that it can affect cholesterol levels and the risk of blood clots.
Regardless of the type of blood, Dr. Qi noted that everyone should pay attention to risk factors: smoking, weight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle. They have a greater impact on diseases than the blood group.
According to the American Red Cross, group 0 is the most common blood type, followed by A, B, and AB by popularity. Type 0 blood is 45 percent white, 51 percent black, 57 percent Hispanic, and 40 percent Asian. Group A is comprised of 40 percent of whites, 26 percent of blacks, 31 percent of Hispanics, and 28 percent of Asians. Type B has 11 percent Whites, 19 percent Blacks, 10 percent Hispanics, and 25 percent Asians, and Group AB: 4 percent Whites and Blacks, 2 percent Hispanics, and 7 percent Asians. (PAP)
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