Watch CBS News

Seen At 11: It Pays To Get A Blood Type Test

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Do you know your blood type? Think it doesn't matter?

You may want to think again.

New research shows your blood can reveal a lot more about you than you may realize, CBS 2's Kristine Johnson reported Friday.

Many people know their blood type, but what they may not know is that their type may predict certain health risks.

A series of new studies found connections between blood type and health problems. One followed 77,000 people for 20 years and found those with Type A blood had a 5 percent increased risk for heart disease compared to those with Type O. Those with Type B had an 11 percent increase, and with Type A/B had a 23 percent increased risk.

Some doctors say that's useful information.

"I think if we know someone has this blood type, then perhaps we might be even more aggressive with their cardiovascular risk factors," internist Dr. Mark Itskowitz said.

Another study linked blood type to attention and memory problems. Following more than 17,000 middle-aged Americans for three years, testers found Type A/B blood nearly doubled the odds of having cognitive difficulties.

"We want people being more active," Dr. Drew Ramsey said.

However, Dr. Ramsey recommends those people make lifestyle changes.

"People eating a diet that is higher in Omega 3 fats, eating more crunchy vegetables, lose the visceral fat, take care of blood sugar … that's going to go a long way toward staving off cognitive decline," Dr. Ramsey said.

Other studies showed those wit Type A have a 20 percent higher chance of developing stomach cancer compared to Type O and B, and those with Type O are more likely than other types to develop ulcers.

But while the studies aren't conclusive about cause and effect they can point the direction of future research.

"It allows us to generate hypotheses, so then researchers can really explore this with clinical trials that can tell us more about causes," Ramsey said.

Finding out your blood type could be as easy as asking your physician, who very likely has it on file. You can also purchase an at-home blood testing kit, or find out by donating your blood.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.