In middle-aged non-smokers, being in the highest waist-hip ratio category doubled the risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those with a normal waist-hip ratio (HR 2.03; 95% CI 1.19-3.46).
Cohort (n=14,941)
Yes
Hazard Ratio: 2.03 (95% CI 1.19–3.46)
p-value: p=<0.001
OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist hip ratio (WHR) with sudden cardiac death (SCD) in community dwelling individuals. METHODS: Data from a multicentre, prospective, cohort study of 14 941 men and women (African American, and white), aged 45-64 years, participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study was analysed. Obesity measures were assessed at baseline (1987-1989). SCD was adjudicated by a committee. RESULTS: At enrolment mean±SD age of the participants was 54±6 years (55% female; 26% African American). During 12.6±2.5 years of follow-up, 253 SCD occurred (incidence rate 1.34/100 person-years). The association between obesity and SCD differed by smoking status (interaction p≤0.01). In models adjusting for age, sex, race, study centre and education level, SCD risk was positively associated (p0.95 in women; >1.01 in men) had double the risk of SCD (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.46; incidence rate 1.43/1000 person-years) versus those with normal WHR. CONCLUSIONS: General obesity is associated with increased risk of SCD in middle-aged, non-smoking individuals, mediated by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Central obesity, however, is independently associated with SCD by pathways that remain to be elucidated.
Adabağ et al. (Wed,) conducted a cohort in Sudden cardiac death (n=14,941). Central obesity (waist-hip ratio) vs. Normal waist-hip ratio was evaluated on Sudden cardiac death (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.46, p=<0.001). In middle-aged non-smokers, being in the highest waist-hip ratio category doubled the risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those with a normal waist-hip ratio (HR 2.03; 95% CI 1.19-3.46).