Key result
Higher waist-to-hip ratio is linked to ~36% increased 10-year ASCVD risk.
Why the study?
Cardiovascular diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana, prompting evaluation of the association between anthropometric indices and elevated estimated 10-year CVD risk.
Are anthropometric indices associated with elevated estimated 10-year cardiovascular disease risk in Ghanaian adults?
Cross-Sectional (n=480)
No
Are anthropometric indices associated with elevated estimated 10-year cardiovascular disease risk in Ghanaian adults?
Relative Risk: 1.36 (95% CI 1.11–1.68)
p-value: p=<0.05
Waist-to-hip ratio and ABSI are reliable, non-invasive indicators of elevated cardiovascular risk in Ghanaian adults, particularly useful in resource-limited settings.
Should not yet change risk assessment; extends limited anthropometric data in Ghana but remains hypothesis-generating.
Background and Aim Cardiovascular diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana. This study aimed to determine the association between anthropometric indices and elevated estimated 10‐year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among adults in the Kumasi Metropolis. Methods This cross‐sectional study involved 480 adults aged 40–79 years. Anthropometric indices and lipid profile were determined using standard methods. Blood pressure was measured using an automated sphygmomanometer. The World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension laboratory‐based risk assessment charts were used to estimate 10‐year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk. Estimated CVD risk ≥ 10% was considered elevated. Anthropometric indices were examined for association with elevated risk using chi‐square, Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests. Multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with elevated estimated CVD risk. Results An elevated estimated10‐year ASCVD risk was observed in 56.9% (103/181) of males and 38.8% (116/299) of females. Lower education level was associated with elevated CVD risk. Waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) (aPR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.11–1.68), body shape index (ABSI) (aPR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08–1.69), hip circumference (HC) (aPR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99), and mid‐arm circumference (MAC) (aPR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.98) were associated with elevated estimated CVD risk. After stratifying by sex, WHR remained independently associated with elevated estimated CVD risk in females (aPR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.01–1.84); as did ABSI (aPR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.05–2.01) and MAC (aPR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.99) in males. Conclusion WHR, ABSI and MAC assessments should be integrated into CVD risk evaluation in Ghana, especially in deprived areas where lipid profile is not routinely assessed.
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Tawiah et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Elevated estimated 10-year cardiovascular disease risk (n=480). Anthropometric indices (Waist-to-hip ratio and A Body Shape Index) vs. Lower anthropometric indices was evaluated on Elevated estimated 10-year ASCVD risk (≥ 10% using WHO/ISH laboratory-based risk charts) (aPR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11-1.68, p=<0.05). Waist-to-hip ratio (aPR 1.36) and A Body Shape Index (aPR 1.35) were independently associated with an elevated estimated 10-year cardiovascular disease risk among adults in Ghana.
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