risk of coronary heart disease than taller
people, a study has revealed.
Scientists discovered that every 2.5in
difference in height changes your chances of
getting the condition – which is the UK's single
biggest killer – by 13.5%.
It means a 5ft person has a 27% higher risk
than someone who is 5ft 5in.
Meanwhile, someone at 6ft has a 54% greater
risk than a 6ft 10in person.
Lead researcher Prof Sir Nilesh Samani said it
shows "the association between shorter height
and higher risk of coronary heart disease is a
primary relationship".
Previously, experts knew there was a link but
were unsure if it was determined by other
factors, such as nutrition or socio-economic
environment in childhood.
It is now thought the University of Leicester's
study, in the New England Journal of Medicine,
could help prevention.
Prof Jeremy Pearson of the British Heart
Foundation, which part-funded the study, said
it could lead to "new ways to reduce the risk of
heart and circulatory disease".
Experts also stressed while height could not be
controlled, other contributory factors – such as
lifestyle – could.
Prof Peter Weissberg, also of the BHF, said
shorter people should not be "unduly worried
about their health".
He added: "Everyone, regardless of their
height, should do everything in their power to
reduce their risk of future heart disease by
eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and
not smoking."
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