ASSOCIATION OF ABO AND Rh BLOOD GROUPS WITH HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Background: Hypertension has been termed ‘silent killer’ a chronic illness with  adverse effects principally involving the central nervous system, the retina, the heart and the kidneys. Since hypertension is multifactorial, the ABO antigens may indirectly  influence arterial pressure. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of ABO and Rh blood groups among controls and hypertensives to assess the relationship between hypertension and blood group. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 300 apparently healthy, normotensive controls and 500 hypertensive subjects. The basal blood pressures were determined using palpatory and auscultatory method in both control  and hypertensive group and their blood groups were determined using the slide haemagglutination technique. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test. Results: The frequency of ABO blood groups in both control and hypertensive group was found to be B>O>A>AB. The  prevalence of  blood group B and O was found to be increased in hypertensive group by 3%, prevalence of blood group A and AB was found to be decreased by 4.3% and 1.5% respectively, but was not significant statistically (p>0.05). Conclusion: There is no correlation of developing hypertension with a particular blood group.

Pak J Physiol 2016;12(2):11–4