To Evaluate the Association of Neck Circumference with Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

It is accepted that metabolic syndrome increases the relative risk of cardiovascular disease and visceral adiposity lies at root of the cardio-metabolic risk. Upper body fat distribution has long been recognized as associated with metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular risk; hence the present study was conducted with the objective to evaluate the association of neck circumference with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors.

The present study was a hospital based observational, Descriptive and comparative analysis, conducted at Department of General Medicine at a tertiary care centre of west India after Ethical clearance from the institute's ethical committee and written informed consent. A total of 405 subjects aged 18 - 60 years were selected consecutively after inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were evaluated for metabolic syndrome components and cardiovascular risk factors. Neck circumference of ≥ 37 cm in males and ≥ 34 cm in females was considered abnormal.

Metabolic syndrome was seen in 189 (46.7%) subjects. Raised triglyceride level was the most common (52.8%) component. Neck circumference was found to be statistically significant associated with metabolic syndrome (p<0.001) as well as cardiovascular risk factors like BMI, Waist circumference, Hypertension, Fasting blood sugar, TG and HDL were also found to be statistically significant associated with neck circumference.

Neck Circumference can be used as a sensitive tool for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with abnormal Neck circumference should be screened for cardiovascular risk factors to detect abnormality for early and appropriate intervention.