Central Obesity and Estimated Coronary Heart Disease Risk Among Jordanian Women Aged 30–50 Years: A Framingham Risk Score Analysis

Background Obesity is a well‐established modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly coronary heart disease (CHD). Its high prevalence among Jordanian women aged 30–50 years highlights the need for early cardiovascular risk assessment to support targeted preventive strategies. Objective To estimate the 10‐year risk of CHD among Jordanian women aged 30–50 years using the Framingham risk score (FRS) and to examine the associations between general obesity, central obesity, cardiometabolic risk factors, and estimated CHD risk. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 230 Jordanian women aged 30–50 years who were recruited using a multistage cluster sampling technique. Standardized anthropometric measurements, including body weight, height, and waist circumference (WC), were obtained to calculate body mass index (BMI) and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR). Blood pressure was measured according to standardized procedures, and fasting blood samples were analyzed to determine fasting blood glucose and lipid profile parameters. Smoking status and physical activity were assessed using structured questionnaires. The 10‐year risk of CHD was estimated using the FRS. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between obesity indices and estimated CHD risk. Results General obesity was identified in 39.1% of participants, while 40.9% had central obesity based on WC (≥ 88 cm). Nearly half of the participants (47.0%) were current smokers, and 21.3% reported low levels of physical activity. According to the FRS, 66.1% of participants were classified as having low CHD risk, 16.5% as moderate risk, and 17.4% as high risk. Higher BMI and central obesity were significantly associated with elevated blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride levels, and LDL cholesterol, as well as lower HDL cholesterol (all p < 0.001). Smoking, physical inactivity, and both general and central obesity were significantly associated with an increased estimated risk of CHD. Conclusion Jordanian women aged 30–50 years exhibited a substantial burden of both general and central obesity, accompanied by an increased estimated risk of CHD. These findings underscore the importance of routine cardiovascular risk assessment and comprehensive lifestyle interventions focusing on weight management, smoking cessation, and regular physical activity. Because the FRS has not been specifically validated in Jordanian women, the estimated absolute cardiovascular risk should be interpreted with caution.