Scientists warn that people with a particular blood type are at a greater risk of having a stroke before 60

Having this blood type can increase the risk of an early onset of heart stroke by 16%, according to scientists.

PUBLISHED APR 6, 2025

(L) Young man holding chest in discomfort. (R) Blood test samples. (Representative Cover Image Source: (L) Unsplash | Nereid Nreu; (R) Pexels | Karolina Grabowska)

Our bodies are complex and built with different factors. Many of these are inherited, some are natural and others are unique to us. However, everything from our DNA to the type of our toes can affect our health in the short or long run. Similarly, researchers from the School of Medicine at the University of Maryland (UMD) revealed that our blood type can help tell us whether we have a higher risk of getting a stroke, per Science Daily. The study was able to narrow down to the people with a particular blood type who are reportedly more likely to suffer heart strokes before hitting their 60s.

Man having chest pain and holding chest tight. (Representative Image Source: Pexels| Photo by Twofiqu Barbhuiya)

The study, conducted by neurologist Dr. Steven J. Kittner and Dr. Braxton D. Mitchell, was done by analyzing the data of 17,000 stroke patients and around 600,000 healthy people. Their age group was between 18 and 59. The findings from this study revealed that people who have the A-type blood group have a 16% higher risk of getting a stroke. Kittner noted, “These people are more likely to die from the life-threatening event and survivors potentially face decades with a disability,” per Tyla. On the other hand, people with an O-type blood group were least prone (12%) to the attack.

Doctor conducting test on sample. (Representative Image Source: Pexels| Photo by Polina Tankilevitch)

So why is it that a particular blood group only has an increased risk of heart stroke? Kittner revealed that there is no firm reason, but there are a few factors that can be taken into consideration, per Science Alert. "It likely has something to do with blood-clotting factors like platelets and cells that line the blood vessels as well as other circulating proteins, all of which play a role in the development of blood clots,” the neurologist noted. Ischemic strokes are reported to occur due to a block in the blood flow to the brain. This can form clots, increasing the likelihood of getting a stroke.

Man in hospital bed being monitored for heart rate. (Representative Image Source: Unsplash| Photo by Engin Akyurt)

"Our meta-analysis looked at people's genetic profiles and found associations between blood type and risk of early-onset stroke," Mitchell added. The authors of the study have noted that the increased risk for the aforementioned age group to get a stroke is in a small capacity and should not be that worrisome to the type-A blood group individuals. Moreover, it was revealed that the study had a few restrictions and limitations, such as sample size, sample nature and several other factors. It was also added that there could be other underlying factors like smoking and alcohol consumption, cholesterol and obesity and others that can affect heart health and increase the risk of a stroke in individuals.

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"We clearly need more follow-up studies to clarify the mechanisms of increased stroke risk," Kittner remarked. Nevertheless, it is important to take note of the information, especially if you have a type-A blood group. Dr. Mark T. Gladwin, Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Maryland, remarked, “This study raises an important question about how our genetically determined blood type plays a role in stroke risk.” One can take preventive measures such as having a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and drinking, and monitoring cholesterol and heart rate regularly to ensure health and well-being.