Summary
ABO blood group antigens are complex carbohydrate molecules expressed on red blood
cells and a variety of tissues. The ABO blood type is implicated in the development
of a number of human diseases and there is increasing evidence regarding its involvement
in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders, mainly through its effect on von
Willebrand factor levels. In this review, after a brief analysis of the potential
molecular mechanisms by which the blood group influences haemostasis, we focus on
the clinical implications of such interaction. Overall, the literature data document
the close relationship between venous thromboembolism (VTE) and non-O blood type,
which is associated with an approximately two-fold increased risk of venous thrombosis.
A supra-additive effect on VTE risk is observed when an inherited thrombophilic condition
is associated with non-O blood group. A weaker association exists between non-O blood
type and arterial thrombosis, which needs to be further investigated.
Keywords
ABO blood group - thrombosis - venous thromboembolism - arterial thrombosis - coronary
heart disease