Is Blood Type O More Prone to High Cholesterol?

The issue of blood type O being more susceptible to high cholesterol is often discussed in the community. However, according to internal medicine specialist and IPB University lecturer Dr Christy Efiyanti, scientific evidence regarding the relationship between blood type and cholesterol levels still shows mixed results. Therefore, no definitive conclusion can be drawn.

“Some studies have indeed found higher cholesterol levels in individuals with blood type O compared to other blood types. However, there are also studies showing no relationship between the ABO blood group and blood cholesterol levels,” Dr Christy said in a written statement.

She assessed that the relationship between blood type and cardiovascular disease risk still requires further research. This is because a person’s cholesterol levels are influenced by many factors that are more complex than blood type alone.

According to Dr Christy Efiyanti, lifestyle is the most influential factor in high cholesterol levels in the body. A high-fat diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption can increase the risk of high cholesterol. In addition, several medical conditions also contribute to increased cholesterol levels, such as diabetes, kidney disorders, liver disease, and thyroid disorders. Genetic factors also play a role, for instance in cases of familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder that causes high cholesterol levels from a young age. “Age and gender can also affect a person’s cholesterol levels,” Dr Christy said.

To maintain normal cholesterol levels, Dr Christy advises the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle without focusing too much on their blood type. Steps that can be taken include limiting consumption of high-fat foods and processed foods containing saturated fats, exercising regularly, and maintaining an ideal body weight.