[ Distribution of adipose tissue; a new risk indicator for hypertension]

A transverse patient-control study concerning a possible relationship between fat distribution and uncomplicated hypertension was carried out in two general practices. Of 92 patients with hypertension and of a control group of 92 patients from the same general practice matched for age and sex the circumferences of the middle, hip and thigh and the body weight were measured. Smoking habits, alcohol consumption, physical activity and obesity in the family were established in a structured interview. Odds ratios were determined by means of logistic regression analysis. The ratio of the circumferences of the middle and the thigh proved to be a risk indicator for hypertension, independent of the Quetelet index and other disturbing variables (odds ratio: 2.62; 95%-CI 1.24-5.51). For the ratio of the circumferences of middle and hip this odds ratio amounted to 1.78 (95%-CI: 0.94-3.74, not significant). The fat distribution was found to be independently related with hypertension. With a view to prevention it is important to know not only the body weight of a particular patient, but also his type of fat distribution.