WELLNESS-Since the 50’s, science has suspected that shorter people are more likely to have heart problems than taller people, but it wasn’t until now that they may have discovered why.
A UK scientist named Dr. Nilesh Simani studied 200000 people and found striking similarities in their genetic makeup. His research was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. He found that men that are 2.5 inches shorter than average have a 13.5 percent greater chance of heart disease compared to their taller counterparts. To be specific, each 2.5 inches shorter than average increases a mans chance of heart disease by 13.5 percent. The study did not see a similar correlation in woman, and while we are not sure yet, there is a chance the height-heart link does not apply to woman. It is also possible that the findings are skewed due to the fact that there were less woman in the study.
While the research does make it clear that there is a genetic link, only a third of the genes found had a direct link to the heart. This third consisted of genes related to cholesterol and triglycerides. The other two thirds of those genes studied had no direct link to heart disease. Scientists are now sure that there is a genetic link, but the specifics are still a mystery.
While the exact genetic link is unclear, there is suspicion that there may be other genetic factors that these shorter people have in common. Scientists speculate that there may be a link with the genetic markers and inflammation. Inflammation and heart disease go hand in hand. Another theory is that these shorter individuals have a greater genetic propensity towards a hardening of the arterial walls, but they have not confirmed that yet.
One sizeable shortcoming of this study and many other studies of its nature is that the majority of the subjects were white men. When it comes to genetics, race plays an important role, and in order to have more inclusive results that apply to everyone, many more studies of this type need to be conducted with a wider racial base.
Even though more studies will be needed to clear up the many mysteries behind stature and heart disease, one thing is certain; if you are of a shorter stature, you now have more evidence pointing to the importance of exercise for your physical body. Of course a healthy diet and exercise is recommended for everyone regardless of height.
While our genetic makeup is a very important factor in determining who we are and how healthy we are, we do not need to be victims to our genes. For example, let’s say both of our parents are obese.
This does not ensure a predestined course to obesity for us. We can make more careful choices about what we eat and how much we exercise to offset those genetic predispositions. Recognizing that we are more pre-determined for certain illnesses through our genetic map can be looked at as an effective way towards preventative medicine.
If you are on the shorter side and you have heart disease in your family, take this new discovery as one more reason to do your cardio every day. Caring for our physical bodies through exercise and diet is a powerful way to combat those predetermined genetic markers.
(Christian Cristiano is an acupuncturist in LA, TV host of Wellness for Realists and writes on wellness regularly for CityWatch. Christian can be reached at 323.935.3420. twitter: @CristianoWFR)
CityWatch
Vol 13 Issue 30
Pub: Apr 10, 2015
