Body of evidence: How your physical characteristics could indicate future health problems
With the news balding men are more at risk from heart disease, we reveal what health conditions other physical traits could lead to*
Getty
BALD/HEART DISEASE
As if losing your hair wasn’t bad enough, follicly-challenged men are now said to be at significantly greater risk of heart disease.
Men with baldness at the crown of their heads are a third more likely to develop coronary artery disease, with Japanese researchers suggesting that men who lost their hair earlier in life are especially high risk.
Research published in the British Medical Journal had a look at six studies involving 37,000 men.
How to prevent it: “The good news is risks of heart disease can be greatly reduced,” according to Dr Hilary Jones, TV doctor and ambassador for www.healthexpress.co.uk.
“Simple measures such as making sure you get enough exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a healthy balanced diet will keep your heart in check. Avoid drinking and smoking, which are the key causes of heart disease.”
SHORT INDEX FINGER/OSTEOARTHRITIS
Strange as it may seem – and also bad news for women – if your index finger is shorter than your ring finger you could be twice as likely to develop osteoarthritis in the knees.
According to a 2008 study in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism, people who have this predominately male characteristic tend to have lower levels of oestrogen, which could contribute to the onslaught of osteoarthritis.
How to prevent it: “There is a lot of speculation regarding links between hormones and osteoarthritis, however most doctors would advise that risk can be minimised by avoiding injury and staying as healthy as possible,” says Dr Hilary.
“Eat a balanced diet, look after your joints and maintain a healthy weight.”
SHORT LEGS/LIVER DISEASE
A 2008 study by Bristol University indicated that women with legs between 20 and 29in in length tended to have higher levels of four enzymes, which indicated liver disease.
How to prevent it: “Research suggests that there is a connection between fat distribution and liver function.
The liver is a vital organ. A healthy diet and a low alcohol intake will help keep your liver healthy and working to its full potential,” says Dr Hilary.
BAD SENSE OF SMELL / PARKINSON’S
Adults who can’t identify the scents of cinnamon, bananas and lemons, among others, are thought to be five times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease in four years, according to a neurology study.
Researchers say the area of the brain that distinguishes smells may be one of the first impacted by Parkinson’s prior to diagnosis.
How to prevent it: “Parkinson’s is largely age related and there are some additional risks.
"There are preventative measures you can undertake such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing exposure to toxins and consuming B group vitamins,” Dr Hilary adds.
SKINNY THIGHS/DIABETES
However desirable, tiny thighs could raise your risk of coronary problems.
Women whose upper legs are less than 23.6in in circumference have a higher risk of coronary disease and early death, says a Danish study.
It is due to the fact that too little muscle mass can lead to type 2 diabetes and heart failure.
How to prevent it: “A healthy diet with oily fish and regular exercise can help to keep your heart healthy,” says Dr Hilary.
. Getty
SHORT ARMS / ALZHEIMER’S
Women with shorter arm spans are 1.5 times more likely to go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study in the journal Neurology.
Experts believe women who measure less than 60 inches fingertip to fingertip may have had nutritional or other deficits during their growing years, which could predispose them to cognitive decline.
How to prevent it: “Keeping your brain active is key,” says Dr Hilary. “Eating foods that are good for the brain such as berries, fruit and veg, oily fish and folic acid all help.”
WRINKLY EAR LOBES / HEART DISEASE
A diagonal crease or wrinkle in your ear lobe could be an early sign of heart disease. The American Journal of Medicine reported that a crease on one lobe raises the risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack, bypass surgery or cardiac death) by 33% and a crease on both lobes increases it by 77%.
Experts suspect that a loss of elastic fibres may cause both the crease and the hardening of arteries.
How to prevent it: “Most doctors will tell you that simple lifestyle changes can have a massive impact on the health of your heart,” adds Dr Hilary.
BEING TALL / OVARIAN CANCER
Willowy women are thought to be at greater risk from ovarian cancer than their shorter peers.
Oxford University scientists found the link to height from looking at 47 studies involving more than 100,000 women – many with ovarian cancer.
The study found a woman who is 5ft tall has a 1.6% chance of developing ovarian cancer in her lifetime compared with a 2% chance for a woman who is 5ft 6in. Also, every extra two inches in height raised the odds of the disease by 7%.
How to prevent it: “This is the first time that height has been statistically linked to cancer risk,” says Dr Hilary.
“It is likely to be less important than other proven factors such as obesity, ultraviolet exposure, viruses, smoking and other environmental toxins.”
BIG BUST / BREAST CANCER
It seems buxom ladies could have received a genetic booby prize. Women with a large bust may be more likely to develop breast cancer, according to scientists.
A study of 16,000 women found that genetic mutations, which are involved in regulating the female sex hormone oestrogen, can trigger the growth of both breasts and tumours.
How to prevent it: “This is yet to be proved,” says Dr Hilary.
“The good news, though, is that thanks to scientific advances breast cancer has become one of the most treatable cancers.
“Again, lifestyle is key. It has also been suggested that breast-feeding can help reduce the risk of cancer.
“If breast cancer runs in your family, don’t be afraid to take tests to see if you carry the gene as there are several preventative procedures you can undertake.”
* DR HILARY JONES ADVISES: “RESEARCH THAT IS SURPRISING, BIZARRE AND ASSOCIATES SERIOUS DISEASE WITH PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES IS FASCINATING BUT NEEDS CONFIRMATION BY FURTHER STUDIES.”