CORRELATION OF THIGH CIRCUMFERENCE WITH ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK FACTORS

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of mortality both in developed and developing countries. Anthropometric indices such as BMI, Waist circumference, Waist Hip ratio, have been used as parameter to identify CVD risk. However, thigh circumference is under studied as an anthropometric parameter to identify CVD. The objective of this study was to examine the association of various anthropometric indices with CVD risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during October to December 2018 in Hyderabad City, Pakistan. Data collection involved anthropometry and blood collection for assessment of CVD risk factors. Anthropometric parameters including waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), and thigh circumference (TC) were measured using measuring tape nearest to 0.1 Cm in standing position. The lipid profile, cholesterol, HDL, LDL and VLDL were measured using specific kits. Results: A total of 373 adults were selected for this study, 207 males and 166 females. The mean age of the adult males and females was 49.43±11.87 and 49.04±11.86 years respectively. BMI, WC, waisthip ratio (WHR) and MUAC positively correlated with CVD risks factors whereas TC was positively correlated with HDL. Conclusion: TC may be a reliable parameter to estimate HDL. Increase in thigh circumference reduces the risk of cardiac disease.