If You Have This Blood Type, Doctors Warn of "Serious" Illness

 Can your blood type predict your risk of disease and illness? "While your blood type may put you at a higher risk for certain conditions, nothing is definitive. Being aware of how your blood type may impact your health is a good start, but it's also just as important to see your physician for regular check-ups and maintain a healthy lifestyle," says Douglas Guggenheim, MD. Here are the blood types most commonly associated with disease.  

1

Heart Disease

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People with the blood type AB and B are at a higher risk for heart disease. "Of the eight main blood types, people with type O have the lowest risk for heart disease. People with types AB and B are at the greatest risk, which could be a result of higher rates of inflammation for these blood types," says Glenn E. Ramsey, MD. "A heart-healthy lifestyle is particularly important for people with types AB and B blood."

2

Dementia

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Research shows that people with AB blood are 82 percent more likely to develop dementia compared to other blood types. "Our study looks at blood type and risk of cognitive impairment, but several studies have shown that factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia," says Mary Cushman, MD, MSc, of the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington. "Blood type is also related to other vascular conditions like stroke, so the findings highlight the connections between vascular issues and brain health. More research is needed to confirm these results."

3

Cancer

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"Studies have found that people with blood type A or AB are at higher risk for stomach cancer," says Dr. Ramsey. "Additionally, if you have A, B or AB blood types, you may have an increased risk for pancreatic cancer. If you fall in this grouping, stock up on cancer-fighting foods, which can help reduce the risk for developing cancer."

4

Type 2 Diabetes

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Studies show people with blood groups A, B and AB are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. "The present study shows for the first time in a large prospective cohort that specific ABO blood groups are associated with an increased type 2 diabetes risk," says Dr. Guy Fagherazzi.

5

Risk of Bleeding

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Research shows that people with blood type O have a more than doubled risk of bleeding to death after injury. "Recent studies suggest that blood Type O could be a potential risk factor for hemorrhage," says Wataru Takayama, MD. "Loss of blood is the leading cause of death in patients with severe trauma, but studies on the association between different blood types and the risk of death have been scarce."