Being Tall, Obese May Significantly Increase Risk of Blood Clots in Deep Veins, Tromso in Norway Study

AHA -- Being tall and obese may increase your risk for potentially dangerous blood clots, according to new research in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Obesity is a well-known risk factor for clots in deep veins (usually in the legs) and for pulmonary embolism, a clot in blood vessels of the lungs that can result in sudden death or strain on the heart. Together, the two conditions are called venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Compared with short (5 feet, 7.7 inches or less) and normal-weight men (body mass index < 25kg/m2), the age-adjusted risk of VTE was:

· 5.28 times higher in obese and tall men

· 2.57 times higher in normal-weight and tall men (at least 5 feet, 11.7 inches tall)

· 2.11 times higher in obese and short men