Association between the weight-adjusted-waist index and Familial hypercholesterolemia: a cross-sectional study

The weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) is a novel obesity measurement indicator, and this study aims to determine the relationship between WWI and Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2017 to March 2020, cross-sectional data from 3698 participants were analyzed. The study examined the correlation between WWI and FH using multivariate logistic regression and smooth curve fitting, and conducted subgroup analysis and interaction tests.

The study sample consisted of 3698 subjects for whom the overall probable prevalence of FH was 5.43% and increased with WWI tertile (quantile 1: 4.00%; quantile 2: 4.94%; quantile 3: 7.34%); individuals with the highest WWI tertile were significantly more likely to have FH than those with the lowest tertile (OR = 4.60,95% CI: 2.00-10.60). Subgroup analysis and interaction tests showed significant significance between WWI and personal history of early Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), family history of early ASCVD and probable prevalence of FH (p < 0.05).

This study demonstrates a nonlinear positive correlation between WWI and FH. This may provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of FH in the future.