ABSTRACT
Background: Cardio-vascular disease is a major contributor to the global burden of disease among the non-communicable diseases. Obesity- the condition of excess of body fat has been known to be associated with increase in cardio vascular disease. To obtain a reasonable estimation of body-fat distribution, several anthropometric parameters have been proposed, such as subcutaneous skinfolds and body circumferences. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of skin fold measurements and CVD and thus to predict and facilitate screening of the disease risk in study population. Methods: A total of 100 male patients, with recently diagnosed cardio vascular disease, in age group of 35-55 years were included as subjects for the study. Four skin fold measurements (over Biceps, Triceps, Subscapular and Supra-iliacal) were taken using skin fold measuring calipers. Results: Values of central skin folds i.e. Subscapular and Supra-iliacal were found to be higher than the peripheral skin folds i.e. Biceps and Triceps in each group, thus showing Subscapular and Supra-iliacal are positively linked to cardiovascular disease whereas Biceps and Triceps have negative relation with cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: Central fat mass can be recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease as well as overall mortality. Skinfold measurement is sensitive marker of cardiovascular risk. Measurement of these parameters may help to identify individuals with adverse concentrations of lipids and other risk factors. These persons could then targeted for weight reduction and risk-factor surveillance.