Heart disease: Type AB, B, and A all increase risk
When Harvard scientists analyzed more than two decades of data on more than 77,000 people, they found that those with AB blood had a 23 percent increased risk for heart disease compared to people with type O blood. Those with type B blood had an 11 percent higher risk and those with type A blood had 5 percent greater risk. Researchers aren’t sure why, but posit that type A blood is associated with LDL cholesterol and that type O blood, which is associated with reduced risk, may contain a chemical that boosts blood flow and prevents clots.
However, researchers are quick to point out that lifestyle factors like weight, smoking, and diet, which, unlike blood type, are modifiable, have a much greater impact on heart disease.
