Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Predictors: ABO Blood Groups in a Different Role

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) pose a serious threat to people's health, with extremely high global morbidity, mortality, and disability rates. This study aimed to review the literature that examined the relationship between blood groups and CVD. Many studies have reported that non-O blood groups are associated with an increased risk and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Non-O blood groups increase the risk and severity of these conditions by increasing von-Willebrand factor (VWF) and plasma cholesterol levels and inducing endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. They have also been linked with increased coronary artery calcification, coronary lesion complexity, and poor collateral circulation. Blood groups also affect the prognosis of CAD and ACS and can alter the rate of complications and mortality. Several cardiovascular complications have been described for COVID-19, and blood groups can influence their occurrence. No studies have found a significant relationship between the Lewis blood group and CVD. In conclusion, people with non-O blood groups should be vigilantly monitored for cardiovascular risk factors as prevention and proper treatment of these risk factors may mitigate their risk of CVD and adverse cardiovascular events.