Short People More Likely To Have Problems with Heart Than Tall People

Short people have a 50 percent higher risk of having a heart problem or dying from one than tall people, a new study says, though weight, blood pressure and smoking habits remain more important factors.

Photo: Short People More Likely To Have Problems with Heart Than Tall People

Previous studies have suggested a link between height and heart problems like angina, heart attacks and angioplasties. This is the first major review of such studies, including research from around the world, confirming the relationship, The Associated Press reports.

But lead researcher Dr. Tuula Paajanen said short people shouldn’t worry. “Height is only one factor that may contribute to heart disease risk, and whereas people have no control over their height, they can control their weight, as well as lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking and exercise. All of these together affect their heart disease risk,” she said, Macleans.ca reports.