Patients with a specific blood type may have reduced susceptibility to coronary artery disease, while the American Heart Association calls for less salt.
n a new research report printed in The Lancet on January 15, 2011, ("Identification of ADAMTS7 as a novel locus for coronary atherosclerosis and association of ABO with myocardial infarction in the presence of coronary atherosclerosis: two genome-wide association studies")scientists from the University of Pennsylvania's Cardiovascular Institute are claiming to have identified a gene locus which raises the risk for heart disease.
What makes this study so interesting is the additional finding that those with the O blood type may have a better chance of possessing myocardial protective properties. In previous research, findings have lead to a belief that type O blood may provide increased heart protection, but it wasn't until the current study was released that a definite link could be established.
Summary of the Study
Researchers placed study participants in two groups. Both groups consisted of patients with coronary artery disease, but in one group, all participants were heart attack survivors, while in the other group, participants had never experienced a myocardial infarction. When looking at the genetic make-up of these two groups, scientists discovered a common gene, called ADAMTS7. The presence of this gene related to an increased risk of heart disease. Those participants with blood type O reported fewer heart attacks than those of other blood types.
New Treatment Options for Heart Disease
Understanding the impact that ADAMTS7 has on the health of the cardiovascular system will add a new set of options for the treatment of heart disease. New gene therapies will focus on combating this disease on a very basic DNA level. These new treatments may need to be patient specific as each person’s genetic makeup is unique, causing each to react in different ways to a particular therapy.
Does Blood Type O Prevent Heart Attacks?
Quite simply, the answer is no. While there were several more participants in the study who had suffered a heart attack even though they had been diagnosed with heart disease, this is not a license for those with type O blood to neglect their health. It is still a necessity to practice healthy living regardless of blood type. Patients with type O blood have less of a chance of developing heart attacks, but the protective properties are not full proof.
American Heart Association New Sodium Restriction Call to Action
The latest news coming out of the American Heart Association (AHA) this week ("Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: The Importance of Population-Wide Sodium Reduction as a Means to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: A Call to Action From the American Heart Association") concerns reducing salt intake. The AHA reports that in 2009, over 400 billion dollars was spent treating heart disease issues. To help combat the problem, they are taking a hard stance on salt intake and calling for medical professionals to take action and educate patients on the benefits of salt reduction.
Protect Your Heart Health
Those that are concerned about heart health should consult their licensed health care provider for information on cardiovascular wellness. General guidelines for heart health can be found at the American Heart Associate website and include many of the following:
Follow a daily exercise routine.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a healthy diet.
Decrease stress levels.
source: suite101
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