This new study out of Sweden involved data from over 2 million siblings.
Men and women who were tall were found to be more at risk for venous thromboembolism, or VTE. It’s a serious blood clot medical condition.
VTE includes deep vein thrombosis where a blood clot forms deep in the veins, often in the legs.
When a blood clot breaks away, it can travel up to the lungs and block blood flow. This is called pulmonary embolism and can be life-threatening.
The tall measurement was 6 feet for women, and 6 feet 2 inches for men. The short measurement was 5 feet 1 inch for women and 5 feet 3 inches for men.
Researchers found women who were shorter had a 69 percent lower risk of developing blood clots. And men who were shorter had a 65 percent lower risk.
Partha’s RX:
- Avoid sitting too much, especially sitting still. Every two or three hours get up and move.
- If you’re on a plane or have to sit for work, try exercising your legs. Point and stretch your toes, raise and lower your heels, tighten and release leg muscles.
- Make lifestyle changes like exercise regularly, eat nutritiously, quit smoking and keep a healthy weight.
- Be proactive. If you’re going to have surgery, ask your doctor for a VTE risk assessment. You can also ask if compression stockings would be beneficial.
The symptoms for deep vein thrombosis are swelling, pain, red or discolored skin and a warm feeling in the affected area, typically on the leg.
Pain can begin in your calf and may start off by feeling sore or cramp-like.
If you get shortness of breath, chest pain or start coughing up blood, please seek medical help immediately. Blood clots can be deadly and the CDC estimates they kill around 60,000 to 100,000 Americans each year.
