Women who shrink dramatically as they age are twice as likely to die from heart disease, warned a study yesterday. They tend to lose heigh...
Women who shrink dramatically as they age are twice as likely to die from heart disease, warned a study yesterday.
They tend to lose height more than men in middle age – shedding around half an inch a decade – and this gradual decrease typically speeds up past 70.
But latest research revealed that getting dramatically shorter in mid-life is a sign women are significantly more likely to die young.
It is normal for people to lose height in their forties due to natural ageing processes in the bones, muscles and joints which can lead to changes in posture.
Women whose height diminishes with age are at increased risk of heart disease, study shows (stock image)
For the study, scientists followed 2,406 Swedish and Danish women aged 30 to 60 over a period of around 30 years. They measured their health at the start and then again between ten and 13 years later while monitoring any deaths among the participants.
The women lost an average of 0.8cm, or half an inch, between the first and second height measurements although the amount ranged from 0 to 14cm.
Overall 625 women died during the study period, including 157 who died from heart disease. Those who suffered major height loss, defined as more than 2cm, were twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease such as stroke or heart attack.
They were 71 per cent more likely to die from any cause.
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden (pictured)
Overall, each centimetre of height loss was associated with around a fifth greater odds of death from any cause, even after adjusting for factors such as weight, age and lifestyle.
The study in the British Medical Journal added that mid-life height loss was linked to osteoporosis, fractures and lack of vitamin D.
However it found women could counter the problem by exercising regularly and advised taking vitamin D and calcium supplements.
Those who were physically active in middle age were less likely to get shorter as they aged, said the research by the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.
Exercise increases bone density and muscle strength, helping to maintain a good posture.
The researchers added that GPs should start routinely measuring women's height to assess their risk of heart disease.
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