Measuring waist circumference: First crucial step vs. heart disease

Results from the Shape of the Nations survey reveal that six out of 10 physicians recognize abdominal fat as a significant risk factor for heart disease.

However, only a few people are aware of the waist size that puts them at risk of heart disease.

The survey was conducted in 27 countries last July among people at risk of heart disease, as well as primary care physicians, to assess knowledge and understanding of the increased risk of heart disease posed by excess abdominal fat. It was conducted to coincide with the World Heart Day celebration last Sept. 25.

With the theme "Healthy Weight, Healthy Shape," World Heart Day activities were run by the World Heart Federation’s members in 100 countries to encourage people to lead a healthier lifestyle by increasing physical activity and further reducing the risk of heart disease through healthy nutrition, weight control and smoke-free living.

In the country, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) led activities at Plaza Rajah Sulayman in Malate, Manila to mark World Heart Day.

PHA partnered with the City of Manila, Department of Health, Heart Foundation of the Philippines, World Health Organization, Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity, Foundation for Lay Education on Heart Diseases, and the Healthy Lifestyle Coalition.

The event was supported by Sanofi-Synthelabo Philippines, part of the sanofi-aventis group.

"Being overweight or obese, particularly if weight is carried around the abdomen, is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke," Dr. Mary Ann Lim-Abrahan, president of the Philippine Lipid Society, said at the Puso sa Puso World Heart Day 2005 Media Forum at Club Intramuros.

Maintaining a healthy weight and body shape is essential as high waist circumference has been shown to increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

A high-risk waistline is more than 31 inches for women and 35 inches for men from Asia.

Despite therapeutic advances, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Seventeen million or one in three global deaths each year resulted from heart disease and stroke. By 2010, heart disease will be the leading cause of death in developing countries.

Another factor contributing to the expanding epidemic of cardiovascular disease is the prevalence of diabetes which is set to increase by 72 percent by 2025.

Abdominal obesity is linked to the development of several risk factors such as abnormal cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension inflammation and thrombosis which may lead to heart disease (heart attack, stroke).

The measurement of waist circumference provides physicians with important information on health risk in the evaluation of overweight and obese people. At the World Heart Day celebration in Manila, Sanofi-Synthelabo set up a booth to measure the waist circumference of the general public and drum up the importance of waist circumference measurement. It also offered free blood sugar testing and distributed tape measures.

Sanofi-aventis is partnering with the World Heart Federation, a powerful voice in cardiovascular health, to highlight the need for greater prevention to help combat this global threat.