Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome
06:04

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

Body mass index and coronary heart disease risk score: the Tromsø study, 1979 to 2001

Tom Wilsgaard1, Egil Arnesen

  • 1Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway. tom.wilsgaard@ism.uit.no

Annals of Epidemiology
|August 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Weight gain increases coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Longitudinal studies show rising body mass index (BMI) is linked to higher CHD risk scores in adults, particularly in older women.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Rising obesity rates present a significant public health challenge.
  • Understanding the long-term impact of weight changes on cardiovascular health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between changes in body mass index (BMI) over time and alterations in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
  • To utilize the Framingham risk score equation to quantify CHD risk.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study involving 10,214 adults in Tromsø, Norway, with data collected over four examination periods (1979-2001).
  • Participants aged 20-61 years at baseline attended at least three examinations.
  • Fixed-effects regression models were employed to analyze longitudinal data.

Main Results:

  • A significant association was found between BMI change and CHD risk score change across all baseline age groups.
  • This association was more pronounced with increasing age in women compared to men.
  • A 3 kg/m² increase in BMI correlated with a 0.45-point increase in CHD risk score for men and 0.66 points for women aged 40-49.

Conclusions:

  • Increased body weight over time is demonstrably linked to adverse coronary heart disease risk in both genders.
  • The findings underscore the importance of weight management for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...