Taller than 5ft9? You may be at higher risk for more than 100 health problems, the largest study of its kind shows

Tall people are at higher risk for more than 100 health problems, according to the largest study of its kind.

Researchers examined more than 1,000 conditions in 250,000 white, Hispanic and black men and women in the United States.

They found that tall height is associated with a higher risk of heart arrhythmias, varicose veins, nerve damage and foot ulcers.

Tall people — defined as those 5 feet 9 or taller — were also more susceptible to skin and bone infections.

And they were at greater risk of blood clots, nerve damage and fungal infections in the nails.

Scientists at Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center have not studied why tall people have more health problems.

However, one theory is that blood has to be pumped a longer distance, which can lead to a reduction in blood flow - which is essential to keeping the body healthy.

Carrying more body mass can also put more pressure on the bones, muscles and feet, the researchers said.

However, tall people have been found to have a lower risk of some important comorbidities, including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

US researchers have found that height could be linked to health conditions from a study of 250,000 adults with an average height of 5ft 9in

While height has previously been linked to a variety of health conditions, scientists were unsure whether this was due to their genes or the influence of other factors such as diet.

The authors of the new study now say height may be an unrecognized risk factor for several common diseases in adults, but additional further work is needed to confirm their findings.

In the study, researchers used a genetic and health database called the VA Million Veteran Program, which contains data on around 280,000 Americans.

In their study, 91 percent of participants were men, as the database consists of former members of the armed forces.

This means the results may not be as relevant to other groups.

Publication of their results in PLOS genetics The scientists confirmed previous research linking height to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and varicose veins.

But scientists also uncovered new links between health problems and body size.

These included peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which nerves in the body's extremities such as the hands, feet and arms are damaged.

One in ten Brits suffer from the condition, which can cause numbness, tingling and even pain in the affected areas.

In general, taller people may suffer from problems related to their limbs due to the greater physical distance from the body.

Other conditions where the scientists found new links to height included an increased risk of bone infections and leg and foot ulcers.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Sridharan Raghavan, told MailOnline that in total they have identified between 100 and 110 different health conditions linked to height.

He added: "We conclude that height may be an unrecognized, non-modifiable risk factor for several common diseases in adults."

The researchers did not quantify the increased risk per condition.

A person's height is determined by a variety of factors, including their genetics, which may predispose them to be tall or short.

But lifestyle also plays a role for children who eat healthier and are more likely to grow up from wealthy backgrounds.

The average British man measures around 5ft 9in and the average woman is 5ft 3in.