Height is something most people find desirable, especially men.
But they may reconsider the appeal of being high after scientists discovered that it could increase the risk of more than 100 diseases.
Being tall has been linked to unfavorable results in previous work, including cancer and stroke.
The most recent study is the largest of its kind, with more than 280,000 people.
Almost all participants were male and were part of a database called the VA Million Veteran Program.
The researchers analyzed their genes and found that some variants that influence height are also related to about 127 medical conditions.
Confirming the above findings, the study found a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and varicose veins in people with legs.
But for the first time, they showed higher probabilities for conditions including peripheral neuropathy.
The condition, which tends to cause weakness and pain in the limbs and muscle weakness, is the result of nerve damage.
In the UK, it is estimated that almost one in 10 people aged 55 or over is affected by peripheral neuropathy.
The researchers linked genetically predicted height to conditions such as erectile dysfunction and urinary retention, both of which are associated with neuropathy.
Conditions such as skin infections and abscesses, chronic leg ulcers, blood clots in the veins, and bone infections were also reported to be more risky.
However, people considered high were generally protected from cardiovascular problems, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
The study defined “tall” as more than 5 feet by 9 feet.
Although it can be considered high in countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Nigeria, for example, it is the average height of a Briton.
Height is not considered a risk factor for diseases such as weight, smoking or diet.
But Dr. Sridharan Raghavan of VA’s Eastern Colorado health care system, who led the study, said height can “really be a risk factor” on its own.
Researchers did not investigate how being tall can cause health problems.
Confirming previous findings, the study found a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and varicose veins in individuals with long legs.
But some theories include that taller people may have health problems in their limbs because they are at a greater distance from the body.
Blood must travel further through the body, impacting the vessels.
It may also be due to the amount of weight they support on their feet, as tall people were also more susceptible to deformities of the toes and toes.
Being tall is not only due to a person’s genetic makeup, but also to a person’s diet or environment.
It is unclear at this stage whether these health issues are linked to the biology of height, or factors associated with it.
The findings were published in the journal PLoS Genetics.
This story originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced here with permission.