Short stature and stroke risk

Scientists have discovered a direct link between a person's height and the likelihood of them suffering a stroke. Shorter people were found to be at higher risk. A stroke or “brain attack” occurs when there is interrupted blood flow to the brain caused by blockages of the blood vessels. This can results in the death of the brain cells. Depending on the area of the brain involved and the extent of brain cell death, the specific body functions such as speech, movement or memory may be affected. According to research funded by the Stroke Association and Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland more than 15,000 people in the west of Scotland were observed from 1972 to 1992 by a team from Bristol and Glasgow Universities. They compared the people who did not suffer a stroke with the 1,027 who did. Of the stroke victims in the study, 23% were classified as ischaemic i.e transient depletion of blood supply to the brain causing some reversible damage. A further 8.8% were classed as haemorrhagic, i.e the stroke caused by bleeding in or around the brain causing more permanent damage and others were not defined. Men who were under 5ft 3in (1.63 metres) were twice as likely to suffer the haemorrhagic kind as compared to those over 5ft 7in (1.75m). A four-inch (10cm) height advantage equates to a 20% lower risk of suffering all kinds of stroke. Women under 5ft 0in (1.52m) face a 30% higher risk of a haemorrhagic stroke. There was little difference in the risks of ischaemic strokes based on height. It is thought the stroke and height association dates back to a baby's development in the womb. Scientists believe reduced growth seems to result in a greater flow of blood supply and nutrition to the baby's body and not the brain, which may permanently alter the brain's structure and make it more susceptible to stroke later in life. However, the reasons are not very clear. As adults there are some risk factors for stroke that can be avoided such as high blood pressure, poor diet and lack of exercise. Our height, however which may be influenced by foetal, or childhood growth has already been predefined.

COMMENT