Systolic blood pressure as a critical mediator in the association between adult height and 25-year risk of stroke

Background Adult height is associated with the risk of stroke. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We explored the mediating role of metabolic factors in the association between adult height and stroke incidence. Methods We used data from 3306 community-dwelling participants with complete information on adult height, metabolic factors, and 25-year cardiovascular outcomes. Participants were classified into three adult height groups based on sex-specific height quartiles: short (Q1), average (Q2–Q3), and tall (Q4). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and stroke. Results Taller adult height was associated with a lower risk of stroke. Compared with the short group the risk of stroke reduced with taller height with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.68 in the average group (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50–0.93), and 0.45 in the tall group (95% CI: 0.31–0.65). Low systolic blood pressure was considered as a protective mediator in the effect of adult height on the risk of stroke in the average (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.82–0.93) and the tall group (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.78–0.91). Systolic blood pressure significantly contributed to height-related stroke risk (proportion mediated: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.19–1.56). Conclusions This study found an inverse association between adult height and stroke risk, which is partly driven by lower systolic blood pressure. These findings highlight the importance of systolic blood pressure management as a potential preventive strategy against stroke.