Moderate waist circumference and hypertension prevalence: the REGARDS Study
Deborah A Levine1, David A Calhoun, Ronald J Prineas
1VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, and Departments of Medicine and Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. deblevin@umich.edu
American Journal of Hypertension
|January 15, 2011
Summary
Moderate waist circumference (WC) is linked to a higher prevalence of hypertension, even in individuals with a normal body mass index (BMI). This finding highlights WC as an important independent risk factor for high blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- High waist circumference (WC) is a known cardiovascular risk factor.
- The association between moderate WC and hypertension is less understood.
- This study investigates moderate WC's independent link to hypertension, beyond Body Mass Index (BMI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between moderate waist circumference and hypertension prevalence.
- To assess if this association is independent of body mass index (BMI).
- To analyze hypertension prevalence across different waist circumference and BMI categories.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 24,247 adults (45-84 years) in the REGARDS cohort.
- Examined hypertension prevalence based on waist circumference (WC) and BMI categories.
- Employed logistic regression, adjusting for multiple risk factors.
Main Results:
- Hypertension prevalence was 44% (low WC), 55% (moderate WC), and 66% (high WC).
- Moderate WC independently associated with hypertension across normal, overweight, and obese BMI categories (aORs ranging from 1.49 to 2.28).
- Associations were consistent across racial groups and sexes.
Conclusions:
- Moderate waist circumference is an independent risk factor for hypertension.
- This association persists across various BMI levels in middle-aged and older adults.
- Waist circumference should be considered alongside BMI in hypertension risk assessment.
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