On 2017 Oct 17, thomas samaras commented:

Certainly most Western studies show that taller subjects have lower CHD than shorter ones. The reason for this is not related to inherent biological problems related to shorter height. In fact, shorter people following a good lifestyle and diet have been shown to have much lower risk of CHD. The evidence for this statement follows:

1. Pre-Western people rarely experience Western type chronic diseases, including CHD. In fact, studies during the 20th C found a number of populations where there was no evidence of CHD or stroke. These populations included: Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Kalahari Bushmen, Congo pygmies, and the island of Kitava. All these populations had males who averaged less than 5'4".

2. In the early 1900s, the US and UK had very low levels of CHD. Yet, people were much shorter compared to today.

3. Before 1970, US higher income people had higher rates of heart disease than working class people. After 1970, the situation reversed. In both cases working class people were shorter. The reason for this paradox may be increased overweight in shorter people and the consumption of fast foods, rich in animal protein and calories. Also improved diets based on medical advice may have helped the higher income people after 1970.

4. When pre-Western populations transition to a more Western diet, they see a sharp rise in CHD.

5. In the 20th C, Northern Europe had almost double the mortality from heart disease as shorter Southern Europe.

6. Sardinia had the lowest CVD in Europe and its people were the shortest Europeans.

7. A study of Western Sicilian centenarians found they were short and had no CVD risk factors.

8. Women are shorter than men and have lower CHD mortality.

If bigger size was an advantage in reducing heart problems, then why do Great Danes have 60 times the risk of heart failure vs. miniature Dachshunds? A study found that bigger dogs had more heart failure than smaller dogs. Smaller dogs have much smaller blood vessels and hearts. Their heart rates are also about 40% higher than big dogs.

Part of the problem is that shorter people tend to be more overweight than taller ones. If tall and short people with the same BMI are compared, the taller will be relatively lighter than the shorter ones giving them a lower risk of CHD. Also, it is difficult to separate short people from a study who suffered childhood illness, malnutrition or experienced catch-up growth--all related to increased risk of adult heart problems. More information on the benefits of shorter height and lower CVD are discussed in the Indian Heart Journal, Samaras TT. 65(2013)66-71.

On 2017 Oct 17, thomas samaras commented:

Certainly most Western studies show that taller subjects have lower CHD than shorter ones. The reason for this is not related to inherent biological problems related to shorter height. In fact, shorter people following a good lifestyle and diet have been shown to have much lower risk of CHD. The evidence for this statement follows:

1. Pre-Western people rarely experience Western type chronic diseases, including CHD. In fact, studies during the 20th C found a number of populations where there was no evidence of CHD or stroke. These populations included: Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Kalahari Bushmen, Congo pygmies, and the island of Kitava. All these populations had males who averaged less than 5'4".

2. In the early 1900s, the US and UK had very low levels of CHD. Yet, people were much shorter compared to today.

3. Before 1970, US higher income people had higher rates of heart disease than working class people. After 1970, the situation reversed. In both cases working class people were shorter. The reason for this paradox may be increased overweight in shorter people and the consumption of fast foods, rich in animal protein and calories. Also improved diets based on medical advice may have helped the higher income people after 1970.

4. When pre-Western populations transition to a more Western diet, they see a sharp rise in CHD.

5. In the 20th C, Northern Europe had almost double the mortality from heart disease as shorter Southern Europe.

6. Sardinia had the lowest CVD in Europe and its people were the shortest Europeans.

7. A study of Western Sicilian centenarians found they were short and had no CVD risk factors.

8. Women are shorter than men and have lower CHD mortality.

If bigger size was an advantage in reducing heart problems, then why do Great Danes have 60 times the risk of heart failure vs. miniature Dachshunds? A study found that bigger dogs had more heart failure than smaller dogs. Smaller dogs have much smaller blood vessels and hearts. Their heart rates are also about 40% higher than big dogs.

Part of the problem is that shorter people tend to be more overweight than taller ones. If tall and short people with the same BMI are compared, the taller will be relatively lighter than the shorter ones giving them a lower risk of CHD. Also, it is difficult to separate short people from a study who suffered childhood illness, malnutrition or experienced catch-up growth--all related to increased risk of adult heart problems. More information on the benefits of shorter height and lower CVD are discussed in the Indian Heart Journal, Samaras TT. 65(2013)66-71.