Blood Types
Humans have 4 blood types:
A
B
AB
O
● Each blood type is based on the type of chemicals you have on
the surface of your red blood cells. These chemicals are called
antigens.
● Different blood types not only have different chemicals on their
red blood cells’ surfaces but also may have different chemicals in
their plasma. These chemicals are called antibodies.
● Because the body makes antibodies against the antigens that are
not on its own red blood cells, there are only certain blood types
that each blood type can receive in a safe transfusion.
These are the types of blood that each can receive in a safe transfusion.
A - A,O
B - B,O
AB - A,B,AB,O
O- O
AB - universal receiver
O - universal donor
Rh factor - protein found in the blood. The Rh factor may have a
harmful effect on a baby, being carried by a mother, if an Rh- mother is
carrying an Rh+ baby. Rh antibodies from the mother may enter the blood
of the baby and destroy the baby’s red blood cells.
Cardiovascular Problems
Some cardiovascular problems involve the heart and blood vessels,
while other problems affect the blood. Smoking, high levels of cholesterol in
blood, stress, heredity and other factors can cause cardiovascular
problems.
1. Atherosclerosis: It is the leading cause of death in the United States.
Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty materials, such as cholesterol, build
up on the inside of blood vessels. When a major artery becomes
blocked, a person has a heart attack, and part of the heart could die.
2. Hypertension: It is also known as high blood pressure. Hypertension
is dangerous because it overworks the heart and can weaken vessels
and make them rupture. If a blood vessel in the brain becomes
clogged or ruptures, certain parts of the brain will not receive oxygen
and may die. This is called a stroke.