Shortness Heightens Heart Risk

by whizurl - September 02, 2010

Short people have a higher risk of heart disease

Finnish researchers suggested in the European Heart Journal that women under 153cm and men shorter than 165cm are 1.5 times more likely to develop and die from heart disease.

Studies showed that there is a strong link between stature and heart disease risk, although the reason is not conclusively clear. It could be that shorter people have shorter blood vessels to the heart, which may make it easier to clog. But researchers say that short people should not worry unduly. There are also other factors like weight, lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking and exercise that contribute to heart risk.

This does not mean that tall people are protected against heart disease, only that short adults should pay attention and realize their increased risk.

What's most important for maintaining a healthy heart is to exercise regularly, eat a healthy and balanced diet, stop smoking and watch your weight.

Hm... does that includes me?

Source of content: Anonymous, A. "Shortness Heightens Heart Risk". Reader's Digest, August 2010 (pg.25), rdasia.com.

Source of image: Whizurl's clipart

Further readings:

[1] European Society of Cardiology (2010). "Short People Are More Likely To Develop Heart Disease Than Tall People". Web. url: e! Science News (retrieved on Sep 2, 2010).

[2] Maria, C. (2010). "Short People At Higher Risk Of Heart Problems". Web. url: msnbc.com (retrieved on Sep 2, 2010).

[3] Doheny, K. (2010). "Short People May Have Increased Heart Risk". Web. url: medicinenet.com (retrieved on Sep 2, 2010).

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