Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 2, 2026
Electrophysiological Assessment of Murine Atria with High-Resolution Optical Mapping
Published on: February 22, 2018
Non-O-blood types associated with higher risk of high-grade atrioventricular block
Emrah Acar1, Servet İzci2, Mehmet Inanir3
1Department of Cardiology, Gumushane State Hospital, Gumushane, Turkey.
Insights
Individuals with non-O blood types have a higher risk of developing high-grade atrioventricular block (HAVB). This study found a significant association between non-O blood groups and HAVB, particularly third-degree AV block.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- The non-O phenotype of the ABO blood group genotype is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
- Atrioventricular block (AVB) involves disruption of the electrical impulse pathway from the atria to the ventricles.
- High-grade atrioventricular block (HAVB) represents a significant disruption in cardiac electrical conduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ABO blood group status and high-grade atrioventricular block (HAVB).
- To determine if blood group is an independent predictor of HAVB.
- To explore the relationship between specific AVB degrees and blood group phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient data.
- Inclusion of 640 patients diagnosed with HAVB and 570 control subjects.
- Utilizing multiple regression analysis to identify independent predictors.
Main Results:
- Non-O blood groups were significantly more prevalent in HAVB patients compared to controls (p < 0.001).
- Blood group type was the sole independent predictor of HAVB (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08-1.57).
- Non-O blood groups were also predictors of third-degree AVB (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.13-1.69), with no impact from Rh (D) status.
Conclusions:
- This study establishes a link between non-O blood groups and an elevated risk of HAVB.
- Patients with non-O blood types demonstrate a higher susceptibility to developing HAVB compared to O blood group individuals.
- The findings highlight ABO blood group as a potential risk factor for high-grade atrioventricular block.
Introduction:
The non-O phenotype of the ABO genotype has been linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Atrioventricular (AV) block (AVB) is defined as retardation or cessation in the route of an electrical impulse passing from the atria to the ventricles because of an anatomical or functional disruption in the conduction system. We aimed to interpret the association between blood group status and high-grade atrioventricular block (HAVB).
Material And Methods:
This study was implemented as a retrospective review of the recorded data of patients diagnosed with high-grade AV block and a control group. The study population consisted of 640 patients with HAVB and 570 control subjects.
Results:
Presence of non-O blood group (p < 0.001) was significantly more prevalent in HAVB patients than in the control subjects. Blood group type was the sole independent predictor of HAVB in multiple regression analysis (p < 0.001, OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08-1.57). Also, third-degree AVB had a higher incidence in the non-O blood subgroup and also non-O blood group was a predictor of third-degree AVB (p < 0.001, OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.13-1.69). The incidence of HAVB did not distinguish between the two Rh (D) groups. Rh (D) status did not have an impact on HAVB.
Conclusions:
This is the first study that has evaluated the potential relationship between HAVB and ABO blood groups. The main finding of this report is that patients with non-O blood group types have a higher risk for development of HAVB compared with O blood group patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
02:45Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
02:20Blood Types
ABO blood group
ABO antigens are glycoproteins encoded by genes present on...
01:12The ABO Blood Group
Antigens in the ABO Blood Group System
Antigens are substances that can trigger an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies. In the ABO blood group system,...
01:10Blood Typing
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target...
01:15Blood Transfusion
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...