Obesity is a significant modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with abdominal obesity potentially posing a higher risk than general obesity. A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that having a high body roundness index (BRI) over a 6-year period is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease for adults over the age of 45. BRI is a measure that reflects abdominal fat and body shape, and previous research has suggested its value in predicting CVD risk.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, with almost 20 million deaths annually. To further investigate the relationship between BRI and CVD risk, researchers conducted a study among participants in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a nationally representative study of middle-aged and older adults in China.
The study analyzed BRI measurements from 2011 to 2016 and tracked the trajectory of BRI levels among participants. Individuals with similar BRI trajectories were grouped into low-stable, moderate-stable, and high-stable categories. The analysis revealed that higher BRI trajectories were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cardiac events.
Compared to participants in the low-stable BRI group, those in the moderate-stable group had a 61% higher risk of CVD, while those in the high-stable group had a 163% higher risk. Even after accounting for demographic variables, medical history, and health measures like blood pressure and cholesterol levels, participants in the moderate-stable and high-stable BRI groups still had a higher risk of CVD diagnosis.
These findings suggest that maintaining a moderate-to-high stable BRI over a 6-year period may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. BRI measurements could potentially serve as a predictive factor for CVD incidence, highlighting the importance of monitoring abdominal obesity as a risk factor for heart health.
The study had limitations, including its focus on adults in China and a relatively short follow-up period. However, the results underscore the importance of addressing abdominal obesity as a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore strategies for preventing CVD through early detection and intervention.
Overall, this study sheds light on the link between BRI and cardiovascular disease, providing valuable insights into the role of abdominal obesity in heart health. By understanding the impact of BRI on CVD risk, healthcare providers and individuals can take proactive steps to reduce abdominal fat and improve cardiovascular outcomes.
