[Validation of alternative anthropometric indexes as cardiovascular risk markers].
BACKGROUND
Obesity is considered as a cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF). Anthropometric indexes as body mass index (BMI) or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) may not reflect properly an increased risk due to obesity, but abdominal circumference is the most accepted as cardiovascular risk marker. As height is important in some instances as insulin resistance, is mandatory to take it into account to evaluate more accurately cardiovascular risk.


OBJECTIVE
To test the utility of alternative anthropometrical indexes as cardiovascular risk markers.


METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional study was developed with 883 subjects in East Portugal, having anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, laboratory tests, CVRF, and history reported. Cardiovascular risk was calculated according to modified Framingham method.


RESULTS
All of the anthropometric indexes showed statistically significant correlation with cardiovascular risk, but WHR (r=0.48), followed by waist-to-height ratio (r=0.41) and abdominal circumference (r=0.45) were the most accurate. When data were analyzed by sex, waist-to-height ratio (r=0.46) was better in women and WHR (r=0.44) in men.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that waist-to-height ratio is as useful as others to estimate cardiovascular risk, being better among women.
Luengo Pérez
Luis Miguel
LM
Sección de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Infanta Cristina, Cátedra de Nutrición, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, España. luismluengo@unex.es
Urbano Gálvez
Juan Manuel
JM
Pérez Miranda
Manuel
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment; D055815:Young Adult