What is the connection between blood type and the heart?

Do you know your blood type? If not, it’s important to find out what it is and how that could affect your overall health, in addition to the health of your heart. It turns out there’s an interesting connection between your blood type and your heart’s health and function, but it’s not as clear-cut as you might think! Follow along to learn more about the relationship between blood type and heart health!

Donor Card

Whether you’re Type A, B, AB or O, each blood type has specific antibodies that can be transferred to others during a blood transfusion. However, some people think they may have received an incorrect blood type at birth because their physical characteristics don’t seem to match their family history. It’s important to note that blood types are inherited from both parents, so if your father was blood type A but your mother was blood type B, there’s a chance you could inherit either of those traits—or neither. The most common blood types in America are: O (35 percent), A (34 percent), B (12 percent) and AB (9 percent). This means that nearly three-quarters of Americans have one of these four blood types. According to several studies, blood type can affect how likely it is for someone to develop certain diseases. For example, research suggests that individuals with blood type O are more likely than other blood types to develop coronary artery disease and stomach cancer; on the other hand, individuals with blood type A tend to have healthier hearts than those with other blood types. But before you start thinking about changing your diet based on your blood type—don’t!

You need to know your blood type

If you’re trying to figure out what your blood type is, you can do a home test by mixing an alcohol-based sanitizer with a droplet of blood. Then, place a drop of water on it. What you’re doing here is staining your blood, so that your cells turn pink when they come into contact with iodine in the sanitizer. (Iodine reacts with blood proteins called antigens.) The greater amount of blood you use, the darker red color will be visible—and therefore easier to see—when it comes into contact with iodine. This method isn’t as accurate as going to a doctor for a blood test (which also involves looking at blood under a microscope), but if you want to know your blood type at home, or don’t have access to medical facilities where tests are performed, it might be useful.

How common are O-, A-, B-, AB-Types?

The majority of people have blood types O, A, B or AB. Only about 6% of people are Type O. The percentages for Types A, B and AB are roughly equal, but much less common. This means that one in 12 people has Type O blood; one in 30 have Type A; one in 42 have Type B; and one in 44 have Type AB. If you’re not sure what your blood type is, you can ask your doctor to check it when you go in for a routine physical exam. (Type O negative blood is often used as a universal donor.)

Blood Type Diet - Red Meat

The blood type diet suggests that different blood types react differently to specific foods. For example, according to one version of it, people with Type O blood should eat a lot of red meat for maximum health benefits. Those with Type A blood are advised to avoid it. And so on. But does there really exist a link between your blood type and your risk of heart disease? Or any other condition, for that matter? Some studies suggest there might be. However, more research needs to be done before we can say anything conclusive about blood type diets and cardiovascular risks. It’s also important to note that if you’re considering following such a diet, you should consult your doctor first—and never make drastic changes in your eating habits without their approval.

Blood Type Diet - Dairy & Fruits

The theory behind what has been dubbed the blood type diet goes that if you have a specific blood type, you should be eating certain foods. Certain foods are good for some people, but not for others—in fact, according to believers of blood-type diets, it may actually cause illness to eat certain things. Those who have O-negative or O-positive blood types, for example, are encouraged to avoid red meat altogether; non-B people are told to avoid dairy products. On top of that, many followers of blood-type diets say they must also avoid any fruits or vegetables with a high glycemic index (GI). According to proponents, these bad foods can lead to weight gain and health problems. However, there's no evidence that any blood type diet can improve your health or help you lose weight in any way.

Blood Type Diet - Vegetables

A diet that focuses on eating vegetables can be very healthy. Studies show that people who eat more vegetables have a lower risk of certain diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and obesity. Vegetables are also good sources of dietary fiber which keeps our digestive system functioning well. Fruits and vegetables supply vitamins and minerals needed for strong bones. The best way to protect your health is to follow a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy products and lean meats.

Exercise with your Blood Type in Mind

Like many things in our lives, it turns out that your blood type can affect your overall health, too. Here’s a quick cheat sheet on how to exercise with your blood type in mind: A(type) people are better suited for endurance-based activities (such as long distance running), while O(type) folks do well with weightlifting. AB(type) individuals tend to be able to handle both forms of exercise, but B(type) individuals should avoid intense workouts altogether. If you have blood type AB or O, you may want to talk with your doctor before beginning any new workout routine. Your blood type might impact which types of food you should eat—and which ones you shouldn’t.

 Many people don’t realize that their blood type affects what they eat; however, if you have one of these blood types, it could change what foods work best for your body:

 Blood Type A: People with blood type A need more protein than other blood types—especially when exercising. Lean meat and dairy products will help fuel muscle growth during exercise. If you want to increase endurance, try eating carbohydrates before a workout or right after. 

Blood Type B: Those with blood type B should be cautious about eating too much sugar and refined carbohydrates (such as breads, pastas, chips) because these can cause spikes in blood sugar levels that lead to fatigue later on. Stick to whole grains instead—these are digested slowly by your body and provide sustained energy throughout the day. If you have blood type O or AB, you’re probably better off steering clear of whole grains altogether; they don’t digest well for those types.