Tall, Obese Men More Prone to Leg Clots

Source: 
HealthDay News

Men who are both obese and tall face a much higher risk for developing potentially fatal blood clots, though overall the risk remains quite small, according to a new study.  The researchers report that extra weight and extra inches together seem to raise the risk more than either alone.

"Tall and obese men had more than a fivefold higher risk, compared to short and lean men," said the study's co-author, Sigrid K. Braekkan, who warns the vertically and horizontally gifted to avoid sitting in one place for too long.

Women also face a higher risk if they're both obese and tall, but just being tall alone doesn't seem to be a problem, the study found.  The clots lead to a condition known as deep vein thrombosis...

The higher risk for tall people appears to be related to their circulatory system. "The distance for blood to return to the heart and lungs is longer," Braekkan said. "Since the blood must be pumped upwards against the force of gravity by the calf-muscle pump, the longer distance may cause reduced flow in the legs and, thereby, higher risk of clotting."

The study found that the risk for developing blood clots remained low, even for the tall and obese.

Read the full article at HealthDay News.

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