That's Fit

Men who lose more than 3cm in height as they get older are at greater risk of heart attacks and death, a recent study shows.

The average height-loss of the 4,200 men studied was 1.67cm, but more than 1,400 men had lost 2cm or more. This height loss translated into a 42% increase in coronary events, like heart attacks. Those who had lost 3cm or more were 64% more likely to die than those who had lost 1cm or less.

While it known that osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease, increases the likelihood of death, doctors do net yet have a full explanation for the correlation between height loss and heart problems. Some say that shortness has long been associated with heart disease, and this merely follows. Others point out that this height loss is merely another sign of poor health, and is not causing the heart trouble. Yet some think there may be an underlying mechanism effecting both bone mass and coronary functioning.