Unless we’re donating or receiving blood, many of us don’t spend much time contemplating what type of blood we have, or how it may affect us. But the type of blood you have – O, A, AB or B – may have a bearing on the likelihood of developing certain conditions.
Memory problems
People who have type AB blood are more likely to have memory problems, according to one small study.
Pancreatic cancer
Molecules in type A and B red blood cells have been found to aid the growth of H. pylori bacteria in the gut, which can make you more susceptible to pancreatic cancer. People with type A, AB or B blood are the most likely to develop pancreatic cancer.
Heart disease
Not only can people with type O blood donate blood to the most people, but they also enjoy a lower risk of coronary heart disease. While experts aren’t yet sure why this is, some suspect it is because other blood types are more likely to have higher amounts of cholesterol and a protein associated with clotting.
Blood clots
People with type A, AB or B blood are more likely to develop venous thromboembolism (VTE). This type of blood clot occurs deep in veins, such as those in your thighs, but can travel to the lungs, making them life threatening.
Type 2 diabetes
Although experts aren’t sure why, people with types A or B blood seem to be more likely to have type 2 diabetes.
Malaria
People with type O blood may be less at risk of contracting malaria. When bitten by an infected mosquito, the parasite that causes malaria finds it harder to attach itself to type O blood cells, according to WebMD.
Stomach cancer
People with type A blood are more likely to get stomach cancer. Type AB and B are also more likely to develop stomach cancer than people with type O blood. H. pylori is a type of bacteria that is usually found in the stomach. People with type A blood are more likely to experience H. pylori infections, which cause ulcers and inflammation of the stomach. Some researchers believe this may explain the link.
Stroke
People with type AB blood are more likely to have a stroke. This may be because type AB blood is more likely to clot.
Feeling stressed
On average, people with type A blood have higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. When you are placed in stressful situations, the level of cortisol in your body increases. Because people with type A blood already have more of the hormone, they may feel more stressed or struggle to deal with stressful situations.
Peptic ulcers
People who have type O blood seem to be more likely to develop peptic ulcers, painful open sores that occur in your upper intestine or in the lining of the stomach.
Living the longest
Due to their lowered risk of cardiovascular and heart disease, people with type O blood are more likely to reach a ripe old age.
Do you know your blood type? Are you concerned about these links between your blood type and health conditions?
If you enjoy our content, don’t keep it to yourself. Share our free eNews with your friends and encourage them to sign up.
Related articles:
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/health/news/blood-pressure-link-to-dementia
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/health/news/a-blood-test-for-death
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/health/news/the-bloodtest-fix-for-weight-loss
Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.
