Association between Anthropometric indices and cardiovascular disease: A cross-sectional based on Rafsanjan Cohort study

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality related to the heart and brain in the population. Abnormal anthropometric indicators have become a common health problem all over the world. This study aimed to assess the association between anthropometric indices and CVD. Methods: Our descriptive study was done on 9934 adult participants aged 35-70 years old of the Rafsanjan based on the Rafsanjan cohort study (RCS), as part of the Prospective epidemiological research studies in Iran (PERSIAN). The CVD (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke) of RCS cases were studied according to their anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, waist, hip and wrist circumferences, waist-to-hip (WHR), and waist-to-height ratios (WHtR)). The analysis was based on logistic regression and three crude and adjusted models. The data were analyzed using STATA software version 14. Results: The odds of stroke increased in participants who were in the 4th quartile of WHR and increased 2 times in participants with quartile 4 of WHtR in the adjusted model. There was a significant association between the increased risk of CVD with BMI ≥ 30, abnormal WC, quartiles 3 and 4 of WHR, and 4 of WHtR after adjusting confounding variables. Only quartile 4 of WHR remained significant and increased the odds of CVD. All risk factors of CVD (Dyslipidemia, LDL, HDL, TG and Cholesterol) were linked to anthropometric indices, and the increase in each of the anthropometric indices increases the odds of the risk of risk factors for CVD. The dose-response increase was seen with the highest ORs in the fourth quartile for anthropometric indices. Conclusions: According to the results obtained from this study, WHR and WHtR could be the predictors of CVD risk compared to other indicators and the control of these indicators using diet and exercise is suggested.