Your Health Problems May Be A Result Of Your Blood Type

When it comes to blood type, we really don’t pay much attention until we need more or we need to donate. New research suggest we may need to learn more about our individual blood types and their ability to predict future health problems.

What Your Blood Type Means for Your Health

We know that mosquitoes are more attracted to those with Type O blood, but what does one’s blood type say about overall health? According to the New York Post, each type has its positives and negatives.

Type A: The Good News

Around 36% of Americans have Type A blood. Having this type of blood offers a natural shield against norovirus, also known as the "winter vomiting disease."

Type A: The Bad News

The bad news in having Type A blood also means an increased risk for cardiovascular issues. Neurological data links type A to an increased risk of early-onset ischemic strokes along with elevated rates of pancreatic and gastric cancer. Type A individuals also tend to produce more cortisol, leaving them more physically vulnerable to chronic stress.

Type B: The Good News

Those with Type B blood hit the immunity jackpot when it comes to some historic pathogens like malaria and smallpox. They are also less prone to developing painful kidney stones, less attractive to ticks, and less likely to experience painful stomach ulcers. The Type B group also experiences much lower rates of bladder and stomach cancer.

Type B: The Bad News

The bad news? Type B Americans tend to have issues with hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Type AB: The Good News

Type AB serves a crucial role in emergency medicine. Those with type AB+ are classified as universal red blood cell recipients, capable of safely accepting transfusions from any donor group. AB plasma is known as "liquid gold" in trauma wards; because it lacks anti-A and anti-B antibodies, it serves as the universal donor material for burn, shock, and severe accident victims requiring immediate blood volume expansion.

Type AB: The Bad News

The primary downside of type AB blood centers on vascular inflammation and clotting abnormalities. According to the American Heart Association, AB individuals carry the absolute highest risk of coronary artery disease, dangerous blood clots, and pancreatic cancer. A study published in Neurology also revealed that type AB individuals are 82% more likely to suffer from the cognitive decline and memory issues that precede dementia.

Type O: The Good News

Type O is the largest blood group in the United States, with type O negative holding the vital designation of universal red blood cell donor because it can be safely given to any patient in an emergency. Type O individuals enjoy the lowest risk for deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms, and heart attacks. They also experience fewer severe respiratory complications or clotting issues when fighting COVID-19.

Type O: The Bad News

Type O individuals are highly susceptible to severe norovirus infections and suffer from elevated rates of peptic ulcers. Because their blood features fewer clotting factors, they are also prone to excessive bleeding following major surgical procedures or physical trauma.