We all have a blood type: A, B, AB, or O. And although you may think of it as nothing more than a random detail, it turns out that your blood type can affect more than just your ability to donate blood.

In fact, your blood type may be connected to certain diseases, making it an important factor to consider when it comes to your health.

The Origins of Blood Types

Before we dive into the connection between blood type and disease, it’s important to understand where blood types come from.

Blood types are determined by the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of your red blood cells, which are produced by your genes. There are two main types of antigens: A and B. If you have the A antigen on your red blood cells, you have type A blood. If you have the B antigen, you have type B blood. If you have both, you have type AB blood.

And if you have neither, you have type O blood.

It’s believed that the A and B antigens evolved as a defense mechanism against certain diseases.

For example, it’s thought that the A antigen may have developed to protect against smallpox, while the B antigen may have developed to protect against certain strains of malaria. Meanwhile, the O blood type may have developed as a response to parasites like hookworm, which thrive in blood that contains antigens.

The Connection: Blood Type and Disease

So how exactly can your blood type affect your health? Let’s take a closer look at some of the diseases that have been linked to specific blood types.

Cardiovascular Disease

Studies have shown that people with type A blood may have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. This may be due, in part, to the fact that type A blood is more prone to clotting.

Meanwhile, people with type O blood may have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as a lower risk of dying from it.

Cancer

Research has also suggested a link between blood type and cancer risk. For example, people with type A blood may be more likely to develop stomach cancer, while those with type B blood may have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Meanwhile, people with type O blood may have a lower risk of pancreatic cancer.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. It turns out that your blood type may play a role in your risk for autoimmune diseases.

For example, people with type A blood may be more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while those with type O blood may be more prone to developing certain autoimmune liver diseases.

Infections

Finally, your blood type may also impact your risk of certain infections. For example, people with type A blood may be more susceptible to certain strains of the norovirus, while those with type B blood may be more likely to catch E. coli infections.

Meanwhile, people with type O blood may be more at risk for contracting severe forms of malaria.

The Bottom Line

Although more research is needed to fully understand the connection between blood type and disease, it’s clear that your blood type is more than just a random detail.

By understanding your blood type, you may be able to take steps to protect your health and reduce your risk of certain diseases.