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| - Last Updated on April 21, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A YouTube video claims that people with A, B, or AB blood groups are more prone to heart attacks. Our fact check suggests this is half true.
The Claim
According to a YouTube video, people with A, B, and AB+ blood groups are more prone to blood clotting because of the antigens present in their blood. The creator suggests this leads to a significantly higher risk of heart attacks.
Fact Check
Can blood type increase the risk of heart disease and blood clots?
Probably. Research shows that people with blood types A, B or AB may have a slightly higher risk of heart disease and blood clots than those with type O. But blood type is not a direct cause, and other lifestyle factors matter much more.
A 2017 study of over 1.3 million people found that non-O blood types had a 9% higher risk of heart attacks and other heart problems. This may be due to higher clotting proteins and cholesterol levels, especially in type A. But there was no increase in fatal heart events, and more research is needed.
In 2012, a study that followed over 89,000 people for 20 years found higher chances of heart disease in people with non-O blood types. Risk was highest for AB (23%), followed by B (11%) and A (5%). The researchers said knowing your blood type may help you make better lifestyle choices.
A 2020 study found that types A and B had 8% more risk of heart attacks and 10% more risk of heart failure than type O. They also had a much higher risk of serious blood clots—51% more for deep vein thrombosis and 47% for pulmonary embolism.
Another large 2013 study estimated that 6.27% of heart disease cases could be linked to non-O blood types.
Overall, studies show a small increase in risk for non-O blood types, but they don’t prove that blood type causes heart disease. Your daily habits like eating healthy, exercising, and not smoking have a much bigger impact on heart health.
Expert Opinion
Dr Somil Singhal, MBBS, MD, Haematologist at AIIMS, New Delhi, explains, “Blood type can play a small role in your risk for heart disease and blood clots, but it’s not the whole picture. Research shows that people with blood types A, B or AB may have slightly higher levels of clotting factors and cholesterol, which could increase their chances of heart-related issues compared to those with type O. But these differences are modest. Your lifestyle, including what you eat, how active you are, whether you smoke, drink alcohol or consume a lot of caffeine, has a much bigger impact. Knowing your blood type is helpful, but it shouldn’t cause fear. Instead, think of it as one piece of the puzzle and a reminder to make healthier choices every day.”
Dr Almas Fatma, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, says, “There is some research suggesting that people with blood groups A, B, or AB may have a slightly higher chance of developing blood clots compared to those with type O. This could be linked to natural differences in clotting proteins. But the risk is small, and it doesn’t mean everyone with a non-O blood group will face this problem. For most people, daily habits like staying active, eating well, and avoiding smoking are far more important for preventing clots and keeping the heart healthy.”
Do blood group antigens change proteins to form clots?
Not exactly, and this is a misrepresentation. Blood group antigens don’t “modify” proteins in the body to cause clots. Rather, certain blood types are genetically linked with higher levels of natural clotting factors. This is not the same as saying the antigens themselves cause clots. It’s a subtle difference, but an important one.
The video oversimplifies complex biology. The presence of A or B antigens doesn’t actively change other proteins to make clots form. It’s more about inherited traits that mildly influence how clotting works in the body.
Should people with A, B, or AB blood worry more about their heart or brain health?
Not really. The focus should be on lifestyle, not blood type. Knowing your blood type is useful in emergencies, like for blood donation, but it shouldn’t dictate how you view your health risks. If you’re worried about heart or stroke risk, the best approach is to manage known factors. It is very important to stay active, eat well, control blood pressure, avoid smoking, and go for regular check-ups. Blood type plays a small role compared to lifestyle and family history. There’s no need to panic if you have A, B, or AB blood.
Similarly, claims that water intake should vary based on blood group are false.
THIP Media Take
The claim that people with A, B, or AB blood groups are more prone to heart attacks is half true. The post is an overstatement. While some studies suggest a slight increase in clotting risk for non-O blood types, this does not translate into a major or early health threat. The science is more nuanced, and the video’s claim lacks context and balance.
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