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Blood Type A? Early Stroke Risk Higher
11 Dec
Summary
- Type A blood group linked to 16% higher early stroke risk.
- Stroke risk factors differ for early vs. late-onset strokes.
- Study included 17,000 stroke patients and 600,000 controls.
A groundbreaking study has identified a link between blood type and an elevated risk of stroke before the age of 60, particularly for individuals with a specific variant of blood type A. This finding suggests that genetic factors, such as blood group, may play a role in predisposition to cerebrovascular events at a younger age. Researchers analyzed extensive genetic data to uncover this surprising association, adding a new dimension to our understanding of stroke risk.
The research indicated that people with a particular gene for the A blood group had a 16 percent greater chance of suffering a stroke before turning 60. Conversely, those with the O1 blood group showed a 12 percent reduced risk. However, experts emphasize that this increased risk is minor, and there is no need for undue concern or special screening for individuals with type A blood. The exact reasons for this association remain under investigation, but it may involve clotting factors and other blood components.
Furthermore, the study differentiated between early- and late-onset strokes, noting that the blood type A association was significant only for younger stroke victims. This suggests different underlying causes, with early strokes more likely related to clot formation rather than arterial buildup. The findings, published in Neurology, call for further research, especially with more diverse populations, to clarify these mechanisms and confirm the global applicability of the results.
