A Pharmacist, Dr. Angela Opoku-Bona says knowing your blood type can be crucial in a medical emergency, and can offer some interesting insight into one’s health.
According to her, knowing your blood type is one more way to better understand and manage your health.
“There are four haemoglobin genotypes (haemoglobin pairs/formations) in humans: AA, AS, SS and AC (uncommon). SS and AC are the abnormal genotypes or the sickle cells. We all have a specific pair of these haemoglobin in our blood which we inherited from both parents. There are eight main blood types: A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+ or AB-. Of the eight main blood types, people with type O have the lowest risk for heart disease. People with types AB and B are at the greatest risk, which could be a result of higher rates of inflammation for these blood types. A heart-healthy lifestyle is particularly important for people with types AB and B blood,” she told Nana Konadu Okontie on Plan B FM ‘Apomuden Fie’
She went on to explain that, people with blood type A may have more trouble handling stress.
“Those with type A tend to have heightened levels of cortisol, the stress hormone in the body. While your blood type is a genetic gift that cannot be altered, making healthy choices can help you reduce the risks to your health. Our blood is made up of a lot of different components. There are red and white blood cells, which carry oxygen and help fight infection, respectively. There are platelets, which help your blood clot. In addition, there is plasma, which provides the body with things like nutrients and hormones also contains antigens. These are proteins and other molecules present on the outside of your red blood cells; they determine what type of blood you have. The Blood is further classified by its rhesus factor (aka, Rh factor). If your blood contains the Rh D factor, the most prevalent and important of the Rh factors, you have a positive blood type. If your blood lacks it, you have a negative blood type,” she stated.
Dr. Opoku also highlighted on the importance of knowing one’s haemoglobin genotype before choosing a life partner. She indicated that it is important because there may be compatibility issues which could have devastating effects when it comes to conception.
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