Abstract
Introduction
Data from the literature suggest a slight increase in cardiovascular risk for people with non-O blood types. The purpose of the study was to evaluate if there is an association between advanced cardiac conduction disorders and blood groups.
Material and methods
In this retrospective study, a group of patients with atrio-ventricular conduction disorders or sinus node disease, having an indication for permanent cardiostimulation, was analyzed and compared with a control group consisting of patients who underwent coronary angiography or elective peripheral angiography. The blood group was determined in all patients. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were used.
Results
Six hundred forty patients, mean age 72±11y, 55.3% men, were included: 320 patients with advanced atrio-ventricular conduction disorders or sinus node dysfunction in the study group and 320 patients in the control group. Blood type A had the highest prevalence (46.8%), followed by blood types O (28.95%), B (16.74%) and AB (7.51%). In the group with heart rhythm disorders, patients with blood type A had an increased risk of atrio-ventricular block (OR 1.38, p= 0.02), but not with sinus node disease (OR 1.02, p= 0.98). Blood type O had a protective role both for atrio-ventricular block and for sinus node dysfunction (OR 0.65, p= 0.01).
Conclusion
Blood type A proved to be an independent predictor for atrio-ventricular conduction disorders in patients with severe heart rhythm disorders with indication for permanent cardiostimulation.