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Different degrees of overweight: anthropometric indices in patients with coronary heart disease

Shih-Tai Chang1, Chi-Ming Chu, Pi-Chi Lin

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi School, Chang Gung Institute of Technology, Taiwan.

Acta Cardiologica
|July 15, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Obesity incidence in coronary heart disease patients varies by definition. Waist-hip ratio (WHR) is the preferred method for determining obesity in these patients, showing significant differences in high-risk coronary artery disease (HRCA) incidence.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Anthropometry

Background:

  • Obesity is a significant risk factor for all-cause mortality.
  • Accurate obesity assessment is crucial, especially in patients with coronary heart disease (CAD).
  • Different anthropometric indices yield varying obesity prevalence rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate obesity incidence using different anthropometric indices in patients with high-risk coronary artery disease (HRCA).
  • To compare the utility of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WCF), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) in classifying obesity within this patient group.
  • To determine the most effective index for assessing obesity-related risks in CAD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Classified 487 CAD patients into normal, overweight, and obese groups based on BMI, WCF, and WHR definitions.
  • Analyzed the incidence of HRCA across these groups, stratified by age and sex.
  • Compared obesity prevalence and HRCA incidence according to each anthropometric index.

Main Results:

  • Obesity prevalence varied significantly by index: BMI (17.5% men, 30.6% women), WCF (14.2% men, 63.6% women), and WHR (66.4% men, 87.6% women).
  • In men under 65, WHR showed significant differences in HRCA incidence across obesity groups (P=0.024).
  • No significant HRCA distribution differences were found between age groups or obesity degrees in women.

Conclusions:

  • Obesity assessment in CAD patients is highly dependent on the chosen anthropometric index.
  • WHR measurement demonstrated the highest obesity prevalence in men and showed significant associations with HRCA.
  • WHR is recommended as the preferred method for obesity determination in patients with CAD.
Abstract

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