Stroke: “Blood Type” May Increase the Risk

Research has revealed that people with blood type A are at a higher risk of experiencing a stroke before the age of 60, compared to those with other blood types.

In a 2022 study, genetic researchers found a clear connection between the gene associated with blood type A and early-onset stroke.

The scientists gathered data from 48 previous studies involving thousands of people who had suffered a stroke and those who had not. The ages of all participants ranged between 18 and 59 years.

The findings showed that individuals with blood type A had a 16% higher risk of suffering a stroke before age 60 than those with other blood types.

In contrast, those with blood type O had a 12% lower risk.

However, researchers emphasized that the increased risk among people with type A blood is not large enough to warrant extra testing or medical concern for this group.

Dr. Steven Kittner, a researcher and professor of vascular neurology at the University of Maryland, stated:

“We still don’t know exactly why blood type A carries a higher risk, but it may be related to factors such as blood clotting mechanisms and certain plasma proteins, all of which play roles in the formation of blood clots.”

He added that more follow-up studies are needed to better understand how and why blood type A might increase the risk of stroke.

Health Workers Union – Akre Branch