Our blood group, commonly known as A, B and O, is determined by the number and type of protein attachments on our red blood cells, called antigens.
Research in the past couple of years has shown, using studies of thousands of people, that certain blood groups have a 16% increased risk of stroke before the age of 60.
Not only this, but we know that the antigens on the red blood cells are connected with our immune system and allow entry of viruses and bacteria into the cell. So, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Chinese studies had shown this at-risk blood group was also found to have more severe cases and increased death rates because of the increased risk of clots.
Blood groups are something we now take for granted; however, looking back, even in the 1940s, the stillborn and death rate in the first week of life would be 4%, a good proportion of this due to mother-baby incompatible blood groups. Newborn babies would regularly die because of having Rhesus-positive blood and the mother producing antibodies from her negative blood, which would damage her fetus.
In fact, blood groups are very ancient; the same A,B, and O groups exist in all species of apes, indicating that they were present before the evolutionary division of humans and apes.
Some blood groups, such as O, which is present in around half the population and more in Africa, are associated with a decreased risk of diseases such as malaria. However, certain blood groups are associated with increased risks.
Blood group A and AB, higher riskIn the West, roughly one-third of blood groups are type A. Because of the many antigens stuck to the surface of the red blood cells, this type is more prone to all kinds of clots, including the risk of early stroke, which is 16% higher than people with other blood groups.
Other studies have shown that because of the blood clot increased risk, there’s also a higher incidence of myocardial infarction, Pulmonary embolism, or deep venous thrombosis. We also know that anyone with a higher chance of having clots has a higher risk of microvascular brain disease, which of course can lead to Alzheimer’s.
Chinese studies found that in the severe cases of Covid, there was a disproportionate representation of this blood type.
Luckily for type ‘O’ blood groups, not only are they less likely to get malaria but they have a 12% lower chance of having a stroke than other blood types!
WHAT TO DO?
If you are type A or AB, we need to talk about both primary and secondary prevention.
Primary prevention is ensuring that other risks factor for clots such as obesity, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, are kept within the normal range. Therefore, minimising risk of vascular clots.
Secondary prevention is to take aspirin. Cheap and easy to buy anywhere, 80 or 100 mg of aspirin taken with a meal every day will be of enormous benefit. Buy an enteric -coated version is a good idea to prevent it from irritating the stomach. Of course, people with acid reflux, ulcers or acidity problems might want to consult with a doctor regarding other products that are more suitable.
Ticking this inexpensive medication every day could definitely be life-saving!