Latest news with #JohnMolvin
New York Post
21-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Quick test is a ‘significant predictor' of a potentially life-threatening condition
What's in your gut might just break your heart — literally. For years, doctors have used body mass index (BMI) as the standard tool for measuring obesity and assessing a patient's risk of developing heart failure. But new research suggests that a simple ratio involving your waistline may be an even better predictor. The best part? You can calculate it yourself at home — here's how. 3 There is no cure for heart disease, but early intervention can slow progression and improve patient outcomes. Studio Romantic – Gut check Research presented this week at the European Society of Cardiology's scientific congress looked at 1,792 adults aged 45 to 73. Participants were split into three groups: those with normal blood sugar, prediabetes and diabetes. Over a 13-year follow-up period, 132 developed heart failure. Here's the kicker: researchers linked a larger waist relative to height to a 'significantly increased' risk of heart failure. In fact, those with a waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) of 0.65 or higher were nearly three times more likely to develop the potentially deadly condition. 'BMI is the most common measure of obesity, but it is influenced by factors such as sex and ethnicity, and does not take into account the distribution of body fat,' said study co-author Dr. John Molvin of Lund University in Sweden. 3 The circumference of your waist should be less than half your height. íÅ¡í¸íâ¬í¸í»í» í íâ¹í¶í¾í² – Unlike BMI, WtHR targets central adiposity, or excess fat in the abdomen that surrounds internal organs. This fat poses a stronger risk for health problems such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and even an early death compared to general obesity. 'We found that WtHR was a significant predictor of incident [heart failure],' said Molvin, adding that it may be a more reliable measure than BMI to identify those at risk and who could benefit from obesity treatments. Next, the researchers plan to explore whether WtHR can predict other health issues, like Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Killing millions, costing billions Heart failure is a progressive condition that occurs when the heart muscle is damaged and can no longer pump enough blood and oxygen to the body's other organs. It's extremely common in the US, with rates climbing steadily over the last decade, particularly in younger populations. 3 Heart disease is a major public health concern and a growing economic burden in the US. Nadzeya – Some 6.7 million Americans over 20 are living with heart failure. That number is expected to jump to 8.7 million by 2030 and a staggering 11.4 million by 2050, according to the Heart Failure Society of America. Key risk factors include an age over 65, a family history and high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. Obesity also plays a major role, with studies linking it to 11% of heart failure cases in men and 14% in women. While there's no cure for heart failure, early detection is critical. Timely treatment can slow progression, improve quality of life and prevent complications. Without it, heart disease can be fatal. It's a top killer in the US, responsible for 8.5% of cardiovascular-related deaths. How to calculate your waist-to-height ratio To calculate your WtHR, all you need is a tape measure (and maybe a calculator). Simply measure the circumference of your waist and divide it by your height. Experts say your waist should be less than half your height, with a healthy WtHR falling between 0.4 and 0.49. 'Having a waist measurement that is less than half your height is ideal,' Molvin said. For example, if you're 170 centimeters tall, your waist should ideally be under 85 centimeters.
India Today
19-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Waist and height measurements predict heart failure risk better than BMI: Study
A person's waist-to-height ratio could be a more accurate way to predict the risk of developing heart failure than body mass index (BMI), according to new research presented at the Heart Failure 2025 congress of the European Society of study, conducted by researchers from Lund University and Malmo University Hospital in Sweden, followed 1,792 people over a median period of 12.6 found that those with a higher waist-to-height ratio were more likely to develop heart failure compared to those with lower ratios. WHY WAIST-TO-HEIGHT RATIO MATTERSWhile BMI is commonly used to measure obesity, it does not consider how fat is distributed in the body."BMI can be influenced by factors like sex and ethnicity and doesn't show where the fat is located. Waist-to-hip ratio, on the other hand, focuses on central fat—around organs—which is more harmful," said study author Dr. Amra participants, aged between 45 and 73 at the beginning of the study, were divided into groups based on their blood sugar levels: normal, impaired fasting glucose, and 29% of the group were women, and the average age was FINDINGS OF THE STUDYResearchers observed 132 cases of heart failure during the follow-up found that for each standard deviation increase in waist-to-hip ratio, the risk of heart failure rose by 34%, even after accounting for other health with the highest waist-to-hip ratio (median of 0.65) were nearly three times more likely to develop heart failure compared to others.'This is a strong indication that waist-to-hip ratio is a reliable measure,' said co-author Dr. John Molvin. 'Ideally, your waist should be less than half your height. For example, if you are 170 cm tall, your waist should be under 85 cm.'MOVING BEYOND BMIDr. Molvin added that waist-to-hip ratio could be more useful than BMI when identifying patients who may benefit from obesity treatments.'Our next step is to see if waist-to-height ratio also predicts other health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure in larger populations,' he findings could help doctors better identify and manage people at risk of heart failure.
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Your waist size matters. Study says, it can predict heart failure
For years, the risk of heart failure has been primarily linked to obesity and Body Mass Index (BMI). However, a new study presented at Heart Failure 2025 suggests that waist-to-height ratio may be a more accurate indicator. Researchers from Lund University in Sweden found that fat distribution—specifically around the waist—has a greater impact on heart health than overall body weight, highlighting the need to shift focus from BMI to body fat placement. Also read | Cardiac surgeon reveals why controlling high blood pressure is the 1st step to preventing heart failure The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology's scientific congress in Belgrade, Serbia on May 18. Dr. Amra Jujic from Lund University, who presented the study said, 'BMI is the most common measure of obesity, but it is influenced by factors such as sex and ethnicity and does not take into account the distribution of body fat. Waist-to-height ratio is considered a more robust measure of central adiposity, the harmful deposition of fat around visceral organs.' The study was conducted on 1,792 participants from the Malmö Preventive Project for a median of 12.6 years, within the age range of 45 to 73 years. Individuals were selected on the basis of equal thirds having normal blood glucose levels, impaired fasting glucose, or diabetes. During the course of the study, 132 participants developed heart failure. When probed, it was observed that the waist-to-height ratio had a significant impact on heart health risk. Also read | Cardiologist shares 10 things he does every day to lower heart disease risk: 10,000 steps to start the day with protein Explaining what an ideal waistline should be for optimal heart health, study co-author Dr. John Molvin from Lund University and Malmö University Hospital said, 'Having a waist measurement that is less than half your height is ideal.' The researchers concluded that measuring waist circumference during routine blood pressure checkups should become standard practice, as it provides valuable insight into body fat distribution. They emphasized that where fat is stored in the body plays a crucial role in heart health—often more so than total body weight. These findings could potentially revolutionize the approach to obesity treatment, shifting the focus from weight alone to fat location and its health impact. Also read | Waist size in men could better predict risk of cancer than BMI, finds study: 'Extra 4 inches increased cancer risk by…' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
