The risk of various diseases is increasing due to changing lifestyles, irregular eating habits, physical inactivity, and various environmental factors. Along with heart disease, stroke is also one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Even after surviving a stroke, many patients suffer from long-term physical disabilities.
According to doctors, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, being overweight and obese are major risk factors for stroke. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, chronic stress, sleep problems like sleep apnea, and heart disease can also increase the risk of stroke. The risk may be higher if there is a family history of stroke.
Among these, the possible relationship between blood type and stroke has come under renewed discussion. A study published in the journal Neurology in 2022 found that people with the ‘A’ blood type ‘A1’ subtype have a 16 percent higher risk of stroke before the age of 60 than others. The risk is also found to be about 11 percent higher in the case of ‘B’ group. In contrast, the study found that the risk of people with the ‘O1’ group is about 12 percent lower.
The study was large-scale. It analyzed data from 48 genetic studies conducted in different regions of the world, and reviewed data on nearly 17,000 stroke victims and 600,000 healthy people. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 59.
The exact cause of this association between blood type A and stroke risk is not yet known, according to lead author of the study and neurologist Dr. Steven Kittner of the University of Maryland, USA. However, it is believed that the blood clotting process, platelet activity, cells lining blood vessels and certain proteins may be involved.
However, a large proportion of the people in the study were of European descent, so the researchers believe that research on a more diverse population is needed to confirm whether the same relationship applies to other ethnic groups and populations.
Experts advise that there is no reason to panic about your blood type. While it is not possible to change your blood type, the main risks of stroke can be controlled. It is possible to reduce the risk of stroke by controlling high blood pressure and diabetes, quitting smoking, as well as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, controlling weight, getting enough sleep, and limiting alcohol.
Symptoms that require immediate hospital admission
Crookedness on one side of the face
Sudden weakness or paralysis of one arm or leg
Slurring or difficulty speaking
Sudden loss of vision
Sudden severe headache
Sudden loss of balance
If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to seek emergency medical treatment without delay.
