Being short may be a heart disease risk factor that individuals can’t control. That’s the finding of new research that links being short to having a 50 percent higher risk of having a heart problem or dying from one when compared to taller people.

Researchers in Finland looked at 52 previous studies with data on height and heart problems in more than 3 million men and women.

They found that people under 5-feet, 3-inches were one and a half times more likely to have heart problems or die from them than people over 5-feet, 9-inches.

Medical experts say the reason why height may contribute to cardiovascular risk is unclear. However, they suggested there could be a biological explanation, such as a hormone imbalance that hurts the heart. Scientists also suspect that because short people have smaller arteries, they may get clogged quicker with cholesterol and be more easily damaged by any changes in blood pressure.

The study’s lead author said that short people shouldn’t be alarmed by the findings.

"Height is only one factor among many that may contribute to heart disease risk," said Tuula Paajanen.

She recommended people focus on other things like not smoking, eating a balanced diet and exercise. "Those are easier to change than your height," she added.