Impact of waist circumference measurement variation on the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome

INTRODUCTION: While waist circumference (WC) is widely used as an index for visceral fat accumulation and purportedly the primary pathology responsible for the metabolic syndrome (MS), its proposed cut-off value varies depending on the disparate diagnostic criteria used as well as on the gender, race and ethnic group being evaluated. Due to the strong association between MS and central obesity, waist circumference should be incorporated into the routine physical exam when assessing cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk. Currently however, there is no standard location for the measurement of WC. On literature review, we found no scientific rationale for preferring any one WC site to the others hence, this study.OBJECTIVE: This study aims to (1) determine waist circumference measurement var iat ions among MS patients, (2005 NCEP-ATP III/AHA/NHLB criteria), at three levels: (A) umbilical level, (B) midline level (between the inferior margin of the ribs and the superior border of the iliac crest) and (C) level of the superior border of the iliac crest.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Across - sectional analytical study among adult patients, aged 40 to 69 years, diagnosed with MS using 2005 NCEP-ATP III/AHA/ NHLB criteria seen at the Philippine General Hospital, as part of the Asia-Oceania Survey on Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes initiated by the Japan Diabetes Society.RESULTS: A total of 187 MS individuals were included in the study (56% females). Both males and females were obese stage 1 (25.5 kg/m2 and 26.7 kg/m2 respectively). The mean WC measurements at level A in men was 92.9 cm (81.36 - 104.44 cm) and 93.83 cm (83.4 - 104.26 cm) in women; at level B, the mean WC in men was 90.73 cm (75.49 - 105.97 cm) and 91.51 cm (80.62 - 102.4 cm) in women; and at level C, the mean WC in men was 93.5 cm (81.97 - 105.03 cm) and 95.12 cm (85.11 - 105.13 cm) in women. Results showed that WC measurements at three levels did not significantly differ among MS patients when stratified to age and sex. However, when waist circumference was measured at three levels among all patients with MS, there was significant difference in WC taken at level B and level C (Sig = 0.009). Waist circumference at level A was similar and less variable to WC level B than WC at levelC.CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with MS as defined by NCEPATP III/AHA/NHLB criteria, waist circumference at level B (midpoint level between the lower ribs and superior border of the iliac crest) was smaller than waist circumference at level A (umbilical level) and smaller than level C (superior border of the iliac crest) (WCB

Relationship between Salt Consumption and Hypertension in Chinese People / 中国慢性病预防与控制

Objective To study the relationship between salt consumption and hypertension in Chinese people,and provide basic information for developing intervention strategies.Method The data of 45 349 chinese residents aged 15 yrs and above from 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey was used.Results The hypertension prevalence was 18.2%.The prevalence of residents with high blood pressure value was 36.0%,which was 20.4% and 16.2% among men and women,respectively. Hypertension prevalence among people living in urban was higher than their counterparts living in rural.The prevalence of hypertension increased with salt consumption.As compared to people who consumed less than 6 g salt per day,after relative confounding factors adjusted,the prevalence ratio was 1.09,1.14 and 1.28 times,respectively,among people who averagely consumed 6～12 g,12218 g,and≥18 g salt per day,which was 1.13,1.11 and 1.30 times,respectively,among employment population.Conclusion The hypertension prevalence of chinese residents is quite high.There is significant relationship between salt consumption and hypertension.It is very important to strengthen the health education for preventing and controlling hypertension in Chinese residents.