It is known that high growth is associated with health risks. Staff at the Rocky Mountain Regional Medical Center, Virginia, studied this pattern by analyzing data from 280,000 Americans, according to madicalXpress, citing the journal PLOS Genetics. The results confirmed previous studies showing that being tall is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and varicose veins. However, along the way, it turned out that the links between tall stature and health problems are much wider. People whose height exceeded 1 meter 80 centimeters are noticeably more likely to suffer from fungal infections, nervous disorders, and about 100 more diseases. That is, height can be considered a non-modifiable risk factor for some common diseases.
The reasons for this association are not fully understood. One theory is that a tall person's blood needs to be pumped over a longer distance, which results in less blood flow needed to keep the body healthy. Weight gain can put more pressure on the bones, muscles, and feet.
At the same time, some diseases in tall people are less common. These include coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. However, a larger study is needed to confirm the results, the authors acknowledge: 91% of the current participants were former Air Force employees, and for other groups, the results may be different.
Diseases associated with high growth