The Ability of Hypertensive Waist to Predict High Cardiovascular Risk in General Population

Abstract

Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated that hypertensive waist (HTW) can be useful for the screening of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in general population. The objective of this study was to compare the ability of HTW and of MetS to predict moderate and high cardiovascular risk (CVR). Patients and Method: 1294 persons from the general population of Cluj County have been enrolled in the study. Blood samples in fasting state have been withdrawn for measuring of blood glucose, total and HDL-cholesterol and serum triglycerides. HTW was defined as concomitant presence of a systolic blood pressure of ≥ 130 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure of ≥ 85 mmHg or personal history of hypertension plus an abdominal circumference of  ≥ 80 cm in females and ≥ 94 cm in males. MetS was diagnosed based on International Diabetes Federation criteria. CVR was estimated with Framingham Risk Score. Results: The prevalence of HTW was 43.3%, and the prevalence of MetS was 45.7%. High CVR was prevalent in 32.4% of persons with MetS and in 36.1% of those with HTW. The sensitivity and specificity of HTW to predict moderate and high CVR were higher than for MetS (62.9% versus 52.3%, and 67.1% versus 61.4%). Aria under the receiver operating curve (aROC) was higher for the HTW than for MetS. Conclusion: The use of HTW is a valuable method to screen for moderate and high CVR in the general population.