Neck circumference and metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional population-based study

This study aimed to investigate the possible association of neck circumference with cardiometabolic risk factors, and to find out the possible cutoff points of neck circumference for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome among the Iranian population.

This is a cross-sectional study in 1619 participants who were selected through clustered random sampling, as a part of a health cohort in Amol, Iran. Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) was based on the modified criteria of the National Cholesterol Educational Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP III). Associations of neck circumference with Mets and its components were studied using logistic regression. The optimal cutoff point of neck circumference for MetS diagnosis was calculated based on the Youden index.

Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 433 (26.7%) of patients. Neck circumference was shown to be significantly associated with central obesity, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, impaired fasting glucose, and low serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level, as well as MetS. The optimal cutoff points of neck circumference in the diagnosis of MetS are 36 cm and 42 cm for women and men, respectively. Sensitivity of the optimal cut-off point of NC for diagnosing patients with MetS was higher in women compared to men (70.6% compared to 55.9%).

A significant association was observed between neck circumference and the presence of MetS among the Iranian population and neck circumference can be offered as a new index in screening and diagnosis for MetS and assessing cardiometabolic risk factors.