Association between ABO Blood Groups, Carotid Stenosis and Atherosclerotic Plaque Burden: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Some studies report that certain blood groups are associated with vascular disease. However, only a few studies have assessed the association between atherosclerosis and ABO blood groups. We investigated whether ABO blood groups are associated with carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 3855 patients from 1985 to 2021 at the Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Center (SPARC). The database included patients with a history of vascular disease and those referred to SPARC for primary prevention. Carotid plaque burden was measured as total plaque area; percent stenosis was calculated from peak systolic velocity. Total plaque area and stenosis are compared in blood groups, using unadjusted comparisons. Quantile regression analyses were performed adjusting for risk factors including age, sex, blood pressure and smoking status. The association between carotid stenosis and blood groups was analyzed using logistic regression models. Subgroup analysis was stratified by presence or absence of vascular disease at baseline and the burden of atherosclerosis. RESULTS: ) had no association with ABO blood groups. In patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), there was no association between blood groups and total plaque area. CONCLUSION: Blood groups are not associated with carotid atherosclerosis. Prevention efforts should focus on controlling risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle.