Association of ABO blood group in Iraqis with hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

There is strong evidence to suggest that there is an association between ABO blood group and certain diseases. This study in Baghdad, Iraq investigated the possible association of diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension with ABO type. The data were derived from 920 patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia attending hospitals, clinics and laboratories in Baghdad, and 200 healthy control individuals. Analysing the data by blood group showed that the levels of total cholesterol, glucose and systolic/diastolic blood pressure were all significantly higher in male and female patients in blood group O than other groups, with a decreasing trend from group A to B then AB. Similar trends by blood group were seen for the healthy controls although the differences were less marked.