Association between ABO Blood Groups, Carotid Stenosis and Atherosclerotic Plaque Burden: A Retrospective Cohort
Joy Chowdhury1, Aditya Sikand2, J David Spence2
1Western University, Robarts Research Institute Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Canada.
Insights
ABO blood groups are not linked to carotid atherosclerosis. This study found no association between blood types and plaque buildup or artery narrowing. Focus on lifestyle factors for vascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Medical Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous research suggests potential links between specific blood groups and vascular diseases.
- However, limited studies have explored the association between atherosclerosis and ABO blood groups.
- This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ABO blood groups and carotid atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if ABO blood groups are associated with the presence and severity of carotid atherosclerosis.
- To analyze the correlation between different blood groups and carotid plaque burden.
- To assess the impact of blood groups on arterial stenosis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study involving 3855 patients from 1985 to 2021.
- Carotid plaque burden measured by total plaque area and percent stenosis.
- Statistical analyses included quantile regression and logistic regression, adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- No significant associations were found between ABO blood groups and total plaque area.
- Carotid stenosis (≥50% vs. <50%) showed no association with ABO blood groups.
- In patients with existing cardiovascular disease, blood groups were not linked to total plaque area.
Conclusions:
- ABO blood groups are not associated with carotid atherosclerosis.
- Current findings suggest that blood type is not a predictor of carotid atherosclerosis.
- Prevention strategies should prioritize modifiable risk factors and healthy lifestyle choices for vascular health.
Background:
Some studies report that certain blood groups are associated with vascular disease. However, only a few studies have assessed the association between atherosclerosis and ABO blood groups. We investigated whether ABO blood groups are associated with carotid atherosclerosis.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study of 3855 patients from 1985 to 2021 at the Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Center (SPARC). The database included patients with a history of vascular disease and those referred to SPARC for primary prevention. Carotid plaque burden was measured as total plaque area; percent stenosis was calculated from peak systolic velocity. Total plaque area and stenosis are compared in blood groups, using unadjusted comparisons. Quantile regression analyses were performed adjusting for risk factors including age, sex, blood pressure and smoking status. The association between carotid stenosis and blood groups was analyzed using logistic regression models. Subgroup analysis was stratified by presence or absence of vascular disease at baseline and the burden of atherosclerosis.
Results:
In quantile regression analysis, we found no significant associations between total plaque area and ABO blood groups. Carotid stenosis as a categorical and binary variable (defined as cases with stenosis ≥50% vs. < 50%) and total plaque area as a binary variable (TPA ≥ 1.19 cm2 vs. <1.19 cm2) had no association with ABO blood groups. In patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), there was no association between blood groups and total plaque area.
Conclusion:
Blood groups are not associated with carotid atherosclerosis. Prevention efforts should focus on controlling risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle.
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