A brain stroke is a sudden, silent attacker that can permanently alter life in just a few moments. In India alone, lakhs of people suffer strokes every year—some tragically lose their lives, while others are left with life-long disabilities. Recent scientific research shows that your blood group—something you were born with—might be silently influencing your risk of stroke, especially if you are under the age of 60.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 1.5 crore people globally suffer from brain strokes every year. Out of these, 50 lakh die and another 50 lakh become permanently disabled. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide.
Shocking Revelation: Stroke Risk Linked to Blood Group
Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), USA, recently published a large-scale meta-analysis in the medical journal Neurology. The study included data from 48,000 stroke patients and more than 5 lakh healthy individuals.
The conclusion? Your blood group could influence your stroke risk—particularly ischemic stroke, which is caused by blood clots and accounts for 87% of all stroke cases.
Which Blood Groups Are at Higher Risk?
Here’s what the study found:
Blood Group A: Individuals with blood group A have a 16% higher risk of having a stroke before the age of 60.
Blood Group O: People with blood group O were found to have a 12% lower risk compared to others.
Blood Group B & AB: These groups also carry a risk, though it’s less than Group A.
Notably, AB blood group has been seen as high-risk in some ethnic communities.
But Why Does Blood Group Matter?
According to scientists, blood group A individuals have higher levels of clotting proteins like Von Willebrand Factor and Factor VIII, which can thicken the blood and raise the chance of clots forming in the brain—leading to ischemic strokes.
Don't Panic—Just Be Prepared
Let’s be clear: Having blood group A doesn’t mean you will definitely get a stroke, and having blood group O doesn’t guarantee immunity. These are just risk trends, not definite outcomes.
It’s always better to be aware and proactive.
What You Can Do (No Matter Your Blood Group)
Know Your Blood Group – and that of your family.
Avoid Smoking & Alcohol – both are major stroke triggers.
Follow a Healthy Lifestyle – balanced diet, exercise, and stress control.
Monitor BP & Sugar Levels – hypertension and diabetes are top stroke causes in India.
Family History of Stroke? – Consult a doctor for preventive care.