MALMÖ, SWEDEN — Taller people might be at more risk of suffering a blood clot, according to new research.
The Swedish study investigated multi-generational data from over 2.5 million siblings of varying heights. It was published in the journal, Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics.
Women shorter than 155 centimeters — or 5 feet, 1 inch — were at lower risk of suffering a blood clot, as were men shorter than 160 centimeters — or 5 feet, 2 inches. Women taller than 185 centimeters — or 6 feet, 1 inch — and men taller than 190 centimeters — or 6 feet, 2 inches, were at a higher risk.
Deadly blood-clotting usually occur in the lower half of the body, but can also take place in the brain and lungs.
The lead researcher of the study suggests that height should be included in risk assessment for blood clots, just as other factors, such as weight. However, exactly how height and blood clots are correlated remains unknown.
