Recent research has established a relation between risk related to strokes and blog group of the person. The study was carried on under the leadership of the Chief of Division in Preventive Medicine, Harvard Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dr. Joann Manson. The lead researcher is also a Professor of Epidemiology in Harvard School of Public Health. Accompanied by a team of researchers, risk assessment was carried out on the connection between stroke and blood group.There are four types of blood groups in people – O, A, AB and B. According to the study, certain blood types suffered a higher risk of falling prey to stroke attacks when compared to other blood groups. In order to remove chances of errors in the study, the study group consisted of a large number of people, nearly 90,000 to be precise. The group was unisex group and all the men and women considered were more than 20 years of age.

Results were found to be different in men and women. It was found that type B was the danger blood type among women and caused an increase in risk of strokes by 17%. This blood group was not a predominant danger for the men. It was found that men and women with blood group AB were more susceptible to strokes and the increase in risk was 29%.

Stroke happens when blood does not pass to the brain due to blockages in the blood vessels that are situated in it. This type of stroke is called ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, takes place when a blood vessel, which is already weakened, is ruptured. There is another type of stroke called TIA or Transient Ischemic Attack or mini stroke.  This is caused when there is a temporary blood clot in the brain. The researchers found that the risk of stroke increased by 32% in men and 28% in women who had blood group AB when compared to those with blood group O.

Each blood group has a difference in a protein called glycoprotein, which is present on the surface of the blood. Blood types that have a particular variant of the protein may have a higher level of stickiness, which might be a cause for clots and subsequently, of strokes. This makes some kinds of blood vessels form clots in a faster and easier manner when compared to other types.

The researchers said that the study could people with high risk blood group take additional care of their health and diet. Although it is impossible to change the blood group of a person, preventive measures can be taken to avoid strokes.