‘Be careful what you wish for!’ says an old saying. While many children and teenagers want to be as tall as possible when they become adults, a new study shows us that a precise height can make them predisposed to developing more than 100 diseases.
The New York Post speaks about a new study appearing in PLoS Genetics and involving over 280,000 individuals from the VA Million Veteran Program database.
Leggy people are at higher risk of atrial fibrillation
The new study has found that atrial fibrillation is among the conditions that leggy people have a higher risk of developing. Here’s how nhs.uk describes atrial fibrillation:
Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. A normal heart rate should be regular and between 60 and 100 beats a minute when you’re resting. You can measure your heart rate by checking your pulse in your wrist or neck.
Other conditions include peripheral neuropathy, varicose veins, erectile dysfunction, and more. But how tall can you exactly be to not be at higher risk of developing the conditions? Short answer: under 5-foot-9.
Neither of us should neglect the peripheral neuropathy condition. Here’s what the Mayo Clinic has to say about it:
Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and body functions including digestion, urination and circulation.
Genetics can tell the most how tall people grow. However, most individuals won’t grow taller after they reach 18 years of age. But as soon as the growth plates close, a person won’t have the possibility anymore to become taller.
