Understanding your blood type isn’t just helpful in a medical emergency; it could also give clues about your vulnerability to certain diseases. Studies suggest those with O blood type may have a lower risk for coronary heart disease, though experts still aren’t entirely sure why. Some researchers speculate it could be linked to O types generally having lower cholesterol levels and fewer clotting proteins compared to A, B, and AB blood types, which seem to face higher risks.
If you’re type A, you might need to be on alert for stomach cancer. This heightened risk is believed to be related to a higher likelihood of H. pylori infection, a bacterium that commonly infects the stomach, causing inflammation, ulcers, and potentially leading to more serious issues over time. Type AB isn’t in the clear either; some studies have suggested that individuals with AB blood might be more susceptible to memory-related conditions, making cognitive health a particular area to watch for this group.
People with types A, B, and AB blood might also face an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The explanation here involves certain molecules in A and B blood cells that can promote the growth of H. pylori in the gut. On the other hand, type O blood appears to offer a bit of an advantage here. Individuals with type O blood are also less likely to contract malaria, as the malaria-causing parasite struggles to latch onto O-type red blood cells.
Stress may also play a role in blood type-related health concerns. For instance, people with type A blood tend to produce higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can make handling pressure more challenging. Blood type O, however, might have a slight edge in stress resilience, though it does come with its own risks, like a greater likelihood of developing peptic ulcers—painful sores that can form in the stomach or intestines.
Blood clots, specifically venous thromboembolism (VTE), present another risk for non-O blood types, especially types A, B, and AB. VTE involves clots forming in deep veins, typically in the legs, and occasionally traveling to the lungs. Type O’s reduced likelihood for clot-related issues might be part of why people with this blood type often live longer. Lower risks of cardiovascular disease and clotting complications make type O a blood type often associated with better overall longevity.
