Rhianna Benson
Until an emergency happens - like a transfusion, surgery, or pregnancy - many of us rarely think about our blood type.
What we mightn't have realised, however, is that specific blood types can be linked to a susceptibility to certain health conditions, with one group reportedly making people more likely to suffer from a stroke.
The reason why different blood groups might increase the likelihood of being diagnosed with a particular condition is that each has varying cell surface antigens. These can affect inflammation, explaining why some types might be prone to blood-related health issues, such as clotting, or more likely to contract a specific infection.
A 2022 study published in the American Academy of Neurology journal found that people with type A blood could face a higher risk of stroke - especially in cases of early-onset ischemic stroke.
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Genetic data from over 16,000 patients, as well as a control group of almost 600,000, found that those in this particular group were 16 per cent more likely to suffer from a stroke prior to turning 60, compared to other types.
Researchers have largely put this down to clotting, with type A group members having a higher level of von Willebrand factor - a type of protein that helps aid clotting - within their blood.
While this protein is vital when it comes to the body healing from injury or trauma, it can also increase the risk of a clot forming within blood vessels. It is this process that can cause a stroke.
By its definition, a stroke can either occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked somehow, likely caused by a clot, or when a blood vessel bursts, and the brain is starved of oxygen.
The study also found that those in the type O group had a considerably lower risk of suffering a stroke, whilst those in type B and AB sat somewhere bang in the middle.
Asked how type A blood group members should process this information, Research Communications and Engagement lead, Dr Clare Jonas, previously explained: "The majority of strokes happen to older people, due to reasons we are commonly aware of, such as high blood pressure, thickening of the arteries or atrial fibrillation.
"The causes of stroke in younger adults aren’t as well understood, which makes them harder to prevent."
Dr Jonas continued: "We don’t yet know why people with blood type A might be at increased risk of early stroke. This means we can’t yet develop targeted preventions for early stroke.
"However, this research is a great step towards helping healthcare professionals figure out who would most benefit from monitoring for other risk factors and being offered interventions to help reduce risk."
It's important to note, however, that whilst a person's blood type isn't the only factor that could make them more likely to suffer from a clot and/or stroke, understanding the link between the two could lead to decisions being made faster during critical moments.
Dr Jonas went on to add: "Everyone should take steps to monitor and manage their stroke risk. The biggest thing you can do to reduce your risk of stroke is to monitor your blood pressure and live a healthy and active lifestyle."