Blood Type Increases Heart Disease Risk

Two studies were performed that indicated people with blood types A, B, or AB have a greater risk for developing coronary heart disease when compared to those with blood type O. 

Blood type AB - 4% of the population - 23% increased risk
Blood type B - 12% of population - 11% increased risk
Blood type A - 36% of population - 5% increased risk

The findings are based on an analysis of 62,073 women in the Nurses Health Study (NHS) and 27,428 men in the Health Professional Follow-up Study (HPFS).  These people were predominantly white, aged 30-75 and followed for 26 years (NHS) and 24 years (HPFS).

The mechanism for this increased risk seems to be a genetic inheritance of a non-O blood group. In non-O individuals, plasma levels of clotting factor VIII-von Willebrand factor (vWF) complex are ≈25% higher than group O individuals which confers higher risk.  Other studies show that non-O individuals have higher lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides) and inflammatory markers, including soluble intercellular adhesion molecule, plasma soluble E-selectin levels, P-selectin levels, and tumor necrosis factor-α.   All of these elevated levels of inflammation increase the risk for coronary heart disease.

You can't change your blood type, but you can decrease your risk by adhering to a healthy lifestyle, one way is by eating right for your blood type.