Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Published on: September 27, 2024
Large thigh circumference is associated with lower blood pressure in overweight and obese individuals: a
Jie Shi1, Zhen Yang1, Yixin Niu1
1Department of Endocrinology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Objective:
A small thigh circumference is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and total mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between thigh circumference and hypertension in the middle-aged and elderly population.
Methods:
A total of 9520 individuals aged 40 years and older with measurement of thigh circumference were available for analysis. The measurement of thigh circumference was performed directly below the gluteal fold of the thigh. The association of thigh circumference with hypertension was tested in logistic regression analyses and reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI.
Results:
Thigh circumference was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol. Compared with the lowest thigh circumference tertile group, the risk of hypertension was significantly lower in the highest tertile group, both in overweight individuals (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.59-0.79, P < 0.001) and obese individuals (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.38-0.70, P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
In the present study, large thigh circumference is associated with lower risk of hypertension in overweight and obese Chinese individuals.
Related Concept Videos
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...
Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg
Preparation:
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.

