Bandung –
Studies reveal that certain blood types have a higher risk of stroke at a young age or before 60 years. Research shows that young people are more likely to have a stroke before the age of 60 if they have blood type A.
Quoting from detikHealtha stroke occurs when a blood vessel becomes blocked or ruptures. This condition can be caused by health factors and poor lifestyle. Basically, this condition is often experienced by elderly people or those over 60 years old. However, young people aged 20 to 45 years can also have a stroke.
Research shows that young people are more likely to have a stroke before the age of 60 if they have blood type A.
Quoted from Science Alert, a study in 2022 revealed a link between blood type A genes and the risk of early stroke. This research was carried out by a team of scientists from the University of Maryland School of Medicine who looked at the relationship between genetic characteristics such as blood type and stroke.
Researchers took data from 48 genetic studies on ischemic stroke. A total of 17,000 adults aged 18-59 years who had a stroke and nearly 600,000 people who did not suffer from a stroke were studied.
A genome-wide search revealed two areas of the chromosome that were strongly associated with stroke risk. That one area coincides with where the blood type gene is located.
The results of the analysis show that people with blood type A are 16 percent more likely to have a stroke before the age of 60 than other blood types. Fortunately, they only have about a five percent risk of further or additional stroke.
This research also found that people with blood type B are about 11 percent more likely to have a stroke regardless of age. On the other hand, people who have blood type O have a lower risk of experiencing an early stroke by 12 percent. Meanwhile, the risk of further stroke is only four percent.
“We still don’t know why blood type A carries a higher risk,” said University of Maryland vascular neurologist Steven Kittner, who was involved in the study. However, he suspects that early strokes in young people are unlikely to be caused by a buildup of fat in the arteries, but rather may be triggered by factors related to the formation of blood clots.
“Such as platelets and cells lining blood vessels as well as other circulating proteins, all of which play a role in the formation of blood clots,” he continued.
Although researchers found blood type A was associated with early stroke risk, they stressed the increase in risk was very small.
Additionally, the people included in the study lived in North America, Europe, Japan, Pakistan, and Australia, with people of non-European descent making up only 35 percent of the participants. Future research with a more diverse sample could help clarify the significance of the study results.
“We clearly need more follow-up studies to clarify the mechanisms of increased stroke risk,” Kittner said.
This article was published on detikHealth.
(juice/sud)
Blood Type A: The Unwelcome Stroke Invitation!
Well, well, well, it appears that being type A is not just a personality trait—it’s also a stroke warning! According to the latest research, people with blood type A are 16% more likely to have a stroke before they hit the big 6-0. That’s right, who knew that your blood type could double as a life coach, giving you advice on what to avoid so you don’t end up with a not-so-fun Saturday night? Grab your blood donor card and let’s dissect this juicy piece of health news!
The Science Behind the Stroke
So, what’s the deal? How can a simple A, B, or O scare the bejesus out of you, especially when you’re in your 20s or 30s? The study, led by the University of Maryland School of Medicine, dove into a pool of genetic data from 17,000 stroke survivors and nearly 600,000 non-survivors—talk about a party to end all parties! Researchers discovered that one very particular spot on the chromosome was waving a red flag—it’s where the blood type gene hangs out, mind you.
Now, before you start stressing over your next blood donation, it’s crucial to note that while blood type A has a higher association, the overall risk of stroke is still relatively low in younger people. Kind of like that shady dealer in a crime movie who looms in the background but never quite makes his move. So don’t pack your bags just yet; life is still worth living!
But Wait… There’s More!
In the wild world of blood types, being type B also has its troubles. People with type B blood are 11% more prone to suffering a stroke, regardless of age. And those poor souls with type O? Well, count your blessings because you’re 12% less likely to have an early stroke! Maybe it’s time we started an O-type fan club and offered them free cupcakes as a reward for their superior genetics.
Let’s Talk Clots!
So what’s happening in that lovely vessel of yours, you ask? Steven Kittner, the vascular neurologist behind the study, suggests that early strokes in young individuals are more connected to the pesky formation of blood clots rather than the usual suspects like fatty build-up. It’s all about your platelets and those other circulating proteins—basically, your body’s unwanted guests at a dinner party.
But here’s the kicker: while this blood type connection is fascinating, Kittner emphasizes that the increased risk is quite small. So you can breathe a little easier knowing that while your blood type might be keeping you on your toes, it’s not an immediate threat! Plus, there are other things that can lead to a stroke, like lifestyle factors—yes, I see you there with that entire pizza while binge-watching your favorite series!
Future Research: The Call for Diversity
Now, before you start quaking in your boots, there’s a catch. The study primarily included participants from North America and Europe, with only 35% being non-European. This means the findings need to be taken with a pinch of salt until we get a diverse crowd in the mix to confirm these connections across different populations. It’s like making a good tea—you need a bit of everything for it to truly hit the spot!
A Small Step for Science, a Giant Leap for Mankind
The call to action is clear: we need more research to understand the blood type-stroke link better, especially involving diverse samples. So, stay tuned, folks, because the story is far from over. And for those of you sitting on a blood type A, why not cut back on the junk food and start a light exercise regime? Your blood cells will thank you!