Comparison of cardiac autonomic response in different ABO blood groups of young adults

ABSTRACT

Background: ABO blood group has been associated with various disease phenotypes, particularly cardiovascular disease. Abnormal autonomic response also plays a role in cardiac morbidity. Increasing attention is being focused on the role of autonomic nervous system in health and disease. The literature lacks data on the association of blood groups and cardiac autonomic function. The aim of the study was to find out the association between different blood groups and cardiovascular autonomic functions in young adults.Methods: 150 healthy young students of MMU aged 18-25 years, divided into four groups based on ABO blood grouping, determined by agglutination test (group A, group B, group O and group AB). Various autonomic function tests done were lying to standing test, Valsalva maneuver, Hand grip test (HGT) and Cold pressor test (CPT).Results: The mean baseline heart rate was significantly higher in group O as compared to group A. No parasympathetic alteration between different ABO blood groups was seen. Blood pressure response to HGT and CPT was not statistically significant between different blood groups.Conclusions: Present study revealed no alteration in cardiac autonomic function with regards to ABO blood grouping in young adults.