29 May 2017 --- Although higher than normal body mass index (BMI) is known to lead to cardiovascular ill-health in mid-to-late life, there has been limited investigation of its effect in young, apparently healthy, adults. Researchers have now shown that having a higher BMI can cause worse cardiovascular health in those aged as young as 17, according to a study presented at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics on Sunday.