Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, is heavily influenced by lifestyle choices such as smoking, a poor diet, and lack of physical activity.
However, several recent studies have shown that blood type also plays a role in increasing the risk of heart disease.
Sean Marchese, MS, RN, a registered nurse at The Mesothelioma Center with expertise in oncology clinical trials and extensive patient care experience, discussed the connection between blood type and heart disease.
According to a Harvard study, individuals with blood types A, B, or AB have a higher risk of coronary heart disease compared to those with type O blood. The exact reason behind this correlation is still being investigated, but it is believed to be related to the von Willebrand protein associated with clotting in non-O blood types.
“The increase in risk is about 5% for type A, 11% for type B, and 23% for type AB,” adds Marchese.
“The overall increase in heart disease risk compared to type O is about 6%.”
“A risk factor does not automatically mean you will develop heart disease, but it can compound with other factors that make it more likely,” Marchese adds.
While individuals cannot alter their blood type, they have the power to modify their behavior, such as quitting smoking or increasing physical activity, in order to decrease their risk of heart disease. It is crucial for patients to prioritize these lifestyle changes as effective means of preventing heart diseases.
“Smoking, alcohol use and lack of exercise contribute to poor heart health. If you have a non-O blood type, consider improving your habits to include more time for exercise and heart-healthy foods.”
It’s worth mentioning that some primary physicians may not routinely check for blood type or have that information on file. Marchese recommends informing your healthcare team about your blood type if you know it from another source, such as a blood donation.
Additionally, discussing your concerns with your doctor and providing details about your non-O blood type, along with any history of smoking, diabetes, heart palpitations, or other potential risk factors for heart disease, can help your doctor assess your situation more effectively.
They can offer valuable resources for improving heart health based on your specific circumstances and be more vigilant during checkups regarding your risk of heart disease.
Marchese suggests considering routine home monitoring if your vital signs often fall within the borderline range and you have additional risk factors for heart disease in addition to a non-O blood type.
Over-the-counter tests for blood pressure and digital cholesterol test kits are readily available at most pharmacies without a prescription. By regularly monitoring these parameters and keeping track of the results in a journal or smartphone app, you can better track trends in your health.
This practice enables your doctor to gauge your overall risk for heart disease based on your health patterns between doctor visits.
By following these recommendations, individuals with non-O blood types can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of heart disease and maintain optimal heart health, according to the expert.
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