Why is blood group a risk marker for myocardial infarction?

Lead Researcher:

Prof Dermot Kenny

Award Date:

1 January 2013

Host Institution:

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Scheme:

Health Research Award

Summary:

Blood group is associated with heart attacks. Some blood groups have a higher risk of heart attack than others. It is not known why. Blood groups are different because different types of sugars are attached to blood cells. Most cases of heart attacks occur when circulating particles in the blood called platelets stick to a damaged blood vessel. We think that the differences in blood group causes cells with some blood groups to stick more than others want to know why blood groups are associated with heart attacks. The question we are asking in this application is simply, are some types of blood more sticky than others and does this explain why some blood groups are at higher risk for heart attack? To answer this question we have developed a new techology that lets us examine blood from donors. Using this technology blood samples are pumped through a system that is just like a damaged blood vessel. Then using an advanced microscope we examine how blood behaves by taking a series of very rapid pictures as the blood forms a clot. A computer then tracks the behaviour of the blood and gives a read out of how sticky the blood is. If, as we suspect, some blood groups are stickier than others then this will help physicians treat people more effectively to reduce their risk of heart attack.