hollydolly
SF VIP
- Location
- London England
..according to a new study.
Tall people are at greater risk of more than 100 health problems, according to the largest study of its kind.
Researchers looked at more than 1,000 conditions among 250,000 white, Hispanic and black men and women in the US.
They found being tall was associated with a higher risk of irregular heartbeats, varicose veins, nerve damage and foot ulcers.
Tall people — defined as those 5ft 9 or above — were also more prone to skin and bone infections.
And they were at greater risk of blood clots, nerve damage and fungal infections in the nails.
Scientists from the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Centre did not look at why tall people suffer more health issues.
But one theory is that blood must be pumped a longer distance, which may cause reduce flow — essential for keeping the body healthy.
Carrying more body mass may also put more pressure on the bones, muscles and feet, the researchers said.
However, tall people were found to be at lower risk of some major comorbidities, including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
While height has been previously linked to a variety of health conditions, scientists have been unsure if this is due to their genes or the influence of other factors like diet.
The authors of the new study now say height could be an unrecognised risk factor for several common conditions in adults, but added further work is needed to confirm their findings.
In the study, researchers used a genetic and health database called the VA Million Veteran Program which includes data from around 280,000 Americans.
In their study 91 per cent of the participants were men due to database consisting of former members of th4e armed forces.
This does means the findings may not be as relevant to other groups.
Publishing their findings in PLOS Genetics, the scientists confirmed previous research linking being tall to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and varicose veins.
But scientists also uncovered new links between health problems and height.
These included peripheral neuropathy, a condition where nerves in the body's extremities, such as the hands, feet and arms become damaged.
Tall people are at greater risk of more than 100 health problems, according to the largest study of its kind.
Researchers looked at more than 1,000 conditions among 250,000 white, Hispanic and black men and women in the US.
They found being tall was associated with a higher risk of irregular heartbeats, varicose veins, nerve damage and foot ulcers.
Tall people — defined as those 5ft 9 or above — were also more prone to skin and bone infections.
And they were at greater risk of blood clots, nerve damage and fungal infections in the nails.
Scientists from the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Centre did not look at why tall people suffer more health issues.
But one theory is that blood must be pumped a longer distance, which may cause reduce flow — essential for keeping the body healthy.
Carrying more body mass may also put more pressure on the bones, muscles and feet, the researchers said.
However, tall people were found to be at lower risk of some major comorbidities, including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
While height has been previously linked to a variety of health conditions, scientists have been unsure if this is due to their genes or the influence of other factors like diet.
The authors of the new study now say height could be an unrecognised risk factor for several common conditions in adults, but added further work is needed to confirm their findings.
In the study, researchers used a genetic and health database called the VA Million Veteran Program which includes data from around 280,000 Americans.
In their study 91 per cent of the participants were men due to database consisting of former members of th4e armed forces.
This does means the findings may not be as relevant to other groups.
Publishing their findings in PLOS Genetics, the scientists confirmed previous research linking being tall to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and varicose veins.
But scientists also uncovered new links between health problems and height.
These included peripheral neuropathy, a condition where nerves in the body's extremities, such as the hands, feet and arms become damaged.
What were some of 100 health conditions associated with being tall?
- Blood clots
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Bone infection
- Irregular heartbeat
- Calluses
- Nerve damage
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Brain cell damage
- Inflammation
- Leg ulcers
- Skin ulcers
- Toe deformity
- Varicose veins
- Leg pain
- Fungal infections in the nails
