Latest news with #Kittner
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Your Blood Type Affects Your Risk of an Early Stroke, Study Finds
Research suggests a surprising link between blood type and stroke risk, with people carrying one specific group A blood type facing a higher likelihood of stroke before age 60. This finding, published in 2022, deepens our understanding of how our unique biological makeup can impact our health. You've probably heard of the A, B, AB, and O groups, which refer to the various chemical markers, known as antigens, found on the surface of our red blood cells. Even within these major blood types, there are subtle variations caused by mutations in the genes involved. Related: Researchers analyzed data from 48 genetic studies, which included approximately 17,000 stroke patients and nearly 600,000 non-stroke controls. All participants were between the ages of 18 and 59. Their findings revealed a clear relationship between the gene responsible for the A1 blood subgroup, and early-onset stroke. A genome-wide search revealed two locations strongly associated with an earlier risk of stroke. One coincided with the spot where genes for blood type sit. A second analysis of specific types of blood-type gene then found people whose genome coded for a variation of the A group had a 16 percent higher chance of a stroke before the age 60, compared with a population of other blood types. For those with a gene for group O1, the risk was lower by 12 percent. The researchers noted, however, that the additional risk of stroke in people with type A blood is small, so there is no need for extra vigilance or screening in this group. "We still don't know why blood type A would confer a higher risk," said senior author and vascular neurologist Steven Kittner from the University of Maryland. "But it likely has something to do with blood-clotting factors like platelets and cells that line the blood vessels as well as other circulating proteins, all of which play a role in the development of blood clots." While the study findings may seem alarming – that blood type could change early stroke risk – let's put these results into context. Each year in the US just under 800,000 individuals experience a stroke. Most of these events – around three out of every four – occur in people 65 years and older, with risks doubling every decade after the age of 55. Also, the people included in the study lived in North America, Europe, Japan, Pakistan, and Australia, with people of non-European ancestry only making up 35 percent of participants. Future studies with a more diverse sample could help clarify the significance of the results. "We clearly need more follow-up studies to clarify the mechanisms of increased stroke risk," Kittner said. Another key finding of the study came from comparing people who had a stroke before the age of 60 to those that had a stroke after the age of 60. For this, the researchers used a dataset of about 9,300 people over the age of 60 who had a stroke, and some 25,000 controls over the age of 60 who didn't have a stroke. They found that the increased risk of stroke in the type A blood group became insignificant in the late-onset stroke group, suggesting that strokes that happen early in life may have a different mechanism compared to those that occur later on. Strokes in younger people are less likely to be caused by a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries (a process called atherosclerosis) and more likely to be caused by factors to do with clot formation, the authors said. The study also found that people with type B blood were around 11 percent more likely to have a stroke compared to non-stroke controls regardless of their age. Previous studies suggest that the part of the genome that codes for blood type, called the 'ABO locus', is associated with coronary artery calcification, which restricts blood flow, and heart attack. The genetic sequence for A and B blood types have also been associated with a slightly higher risk of blood clots in veins, called venous thrombosis. This paper was published in Neurology. An earlier version of this article was published in September 2022. Has Dementia Risk Declined Over Generations? Here's The Science. 'Biological Age' Test Kits Are Popular, But They May Not Be Worth The Cost Semen Allergies Aren't Rare After All (And Yes, Men Have Them Too)
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Your Blood Type Can Affect Risk of an Early Stroke, Scientists Discover
People with one of the type A blood groups are more likely to have a stroke before the age of 60 compared with people with other blood types, research shows. Blood types describe the rich variety of chemicals displayed on the surface of our red blood cells. Among the most familiar are those named A and B, which can be present together as AB, individually as A or B, or not present at all, as O. Even within these major blood types, there are subtle variations arising from mutations in the genes responsible. In a study published in 2022, genomics researchers uncovered a clear relationship between the gene for the A1 subgroup and early onset stroke. Researchers compiled data from 48 genetic studies, which included roughly 17,000 people with a stroke and nearly 600,000 non-stroke controls. All participants were between 18 and 59 years of age. A genome-wide search revealed two locations strongly associated with an earlier risk of stroke. One coincided with the spot where genes for blood type sit. A second analysis of specific types of blood-type gene then found people whose genome coded for a variation of the A group had a 16 percent higher chance of a stroke before the age 60, compared with a population of other blood types. For those with a gene for group O1, the risk was lower by 12 percent. The researchers noted, however, that the additional risk of stroke in people with type A blood is small, so there is no need for extra vigilance or screening in this group. "We still don't know why blood type A would confer a higher risk," said senior author and vascular neurologist Steven Kittner from the University of Maryland. "But it likely has something to do with blood-clotting factors like platelets and cells that line the blood vessels as well as other circulating proteins, all of which play a role in the development of blood clots." While the study findings may seem alarming – that blood type could change early stroke risk – let's put these results into context. Each year in the US just under 800,000 individuals experience a stroke. Most of these events – around three out of every four – occur in people 65 years and older, with risks doubling every decade after the age of 55. Also, the people included in the study lived in North America, Europe, Japan, Pakistan, and Australia, with people of non-European ancestry only making up 35 percent of participants. Future studies with a more diverse sample could help clarify the significance of the results. "We clearly need more follow-up studies to clarify the mechanisms of increased stroke risk," Kittner said. Another key finding of the study came from comparing people who had a stroke before the age of 60 to those that had a stroke after the age of 60. For this, the researchers used a dataset of about 9,300 people over the age of 60 who had a stroke, and some 25,000 controls over the age of 60 who didn't have a stroke. They found that the increased risk of stroke in the type A blood group became insignificant in the late-onset stroke group, suggesting that strokes that happen early in life may have a different mechanism compared to those that occur later on. Strokes in younger people are less likely to be caused by a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries (a process called atherosclerosis) and more likely to be caused by factors to do with clot formation, the authors said. The study also found that people with type B blood were around 11 percent more likely to have a stroke compared to non-stroke controls regardless of their age. Previous studies suggest that the part of the genome that codes for blood type, called the 'ABO locus', is associated with coronary artery calcification, which restricts blood flow, and heart attack. The genetic sequence for A and B blood types have also been associated with a slightly higher risk of blood clots in veins, called venous thrombosis. This paper was published in Neurology. An earlier version of this article was published in September 2022. Losing Just One Night's Sleep Changes Your Immune System, Study Finds World First: Scientists Printed Penises For Pigs And Restored Their Erections Chewing Wood Could Give Your Brain an Unexpected Boost
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Leelyn Smith Welcomes Elizabeth Kittner as Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director
GENEVA, Ill., January 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leelyn Smith, a leading tax, accounting, and wealth advisory firm, proudly announces the appointment of Elizabeth Kittner as Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director. This strategic addition underscores the firm's commitment to delivering innovative, comprehensive solutions for its clients. Kittner brings a dynamic blend of expertise and leadership to Leelyn Smith, with over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and human capital management. As Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director, she will lead Leelyn Smith's CFO, accounting, and tax services, driving excellence in cash flow management, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and profitability optimization for the firm's business clients. "Elizabeth's extensive expertise and track record in transforming financial operations will elevate our ability to meet the complex needs of our clients," said Drew Grider, President of Leelyn Smith. "Her forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our mission to deliver tailored, impactful solutions. We are thrilled to welcome her to our team." Elizabeth's distinguished career includes serving as the top financial and operational leader for several organizations, most recently as Chief Financial Officer and People Operations Leader for a technology research and consulting firm. She has excelled across industries, including public and private companies, non-profit organizations, and public accounting, with a focus on technology-driven transformations. Recognized as a trailblazer in her field, Elizabeth has earned accolades such as Visionary Leader in AI Finance by Datarails, Top 50 Women in Accounting by Ignition, and Most Powerful Women in Accounting by the AICPA and CPA Practice Advisor for several consecutive years. Elizabeth's dedication to the accounting profession and helping others is evident through her active volunteer work. "It's an honor to join Leelyn Smith and contribute to its mission of delivering exceptional service to clients," Kittner said. "The firm's innovative approach, collaborative culture, and unwavering commitment to excellence are truly inspiring. I look forward to building on this foundation to create even greater value for our clients and the communities we serve." Kittner's appointment reinforces Leelyn Smith's strategy to expand its capabilities in finance, accounting, and tax services, ensuring clients receive support and personalized solutions. About Leelyn Smith Leelyn Smith is a registered investment advisor specializing in wealth management, tax, accounting, and family office services. With a family-first philosophy, the firm empowers individuals, families, and businesses financial independence and long-term success. Headquartered in Geneva, Illinois, with offices in Wheaton and Oak Brook, Leelyn Smith is dedicated to guiding clients at every stage of their financial journey. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Chris McManamaChief Operating Officer / Chief Compliance OfficerLeelyn Smithcmcmanama@ 630-232-8995 Sign in to access your portfolio
