Related Experiment Videos

Height loss and future coronary heart disease in London: the Whitehall II study

G David Batty1, Martin J Shipley, David Gunnell

  • 1Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, UK. david.batty@ucl.ac.uk

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|September 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Height loss may increase coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in men, suggesting shrinkage could explain the link between shorter stature and higher CHD risk. Further research is needed to confirm findings in women.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular epidemiology
  • Human physiology

Background:

  • Prospective studies link greater physical stature to lower coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
  • The role of reverse causality, specifically height loss (shrinkage), in this association remains unclear.
  • Previous studies lacked repeat height measurements to investigate shrinkage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between height loss and future risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from the Whitehall II prospective cohort study.
  • Involved 3802 men and 1615 women with height re-measured between 1997-9.
  • Follow-up for fatal and non-fatal CHD events after the second height measurement.

Main Results:

  • Greater height loss was associated with increased CHD risk in men (HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.00-1.53) after adjusting for baseline risk factors.
  • No significant association was observed between height loss and CHD risk in women (HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.58-1.50).
  • A mean follow-up of 7.4 years yielded 69 CHD events in men and 18 in women.

Conclusions:

  • Height loss due to shrinkage may contribute to the observed inverse association between a single height measurement and later CHD risk.
  • This finding highlights the importance of considering height changes in understanding CHD etiology.
  • Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and confirm findings in diverse populations.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...