Anthropometry

IJCS

Review Article

Unconventional Anthropometric Indicators: Foundations, Applicability, and Validity as Predictors of Health Conditions

Haroldo da Silva Ferreira et al. Antonio Fernando Silva Xavier Júnior Élison Ruan da Silva Almeida Tainá Cardoso Caminha-Uchôa … Andressa Bruna Batista de Verçoza Hitalo de Moraes Vieira

Abstract

Several anthropometric parameters have been proposed as indicators of health conditions. Some have achieved wide acceptance and applicability. Others, although grounded in solid theoretical frameworks and demonstrating good diagnostic validity, have not gained the same level of recognition. These are referred to here as “unconventional anthropometric indicators”. This article aims to provide a descriptive and conceptual synthesis of these measures, addressing their nuances and applicability. It is a narrative review that discusses the following indicators: Head-to-height index (HHI), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), Conicity Index (C-Index), Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Neck Circumference (NC), and Adductor Pollicis Muscle Thickness (APMT). WHtR, C-Index, WHR, and ABSI are based on the identification of abdominal fat accumulation and its association with cardiometabolic risks. However, for this purpose, waist circumference stands out due to its methodological simplicity and predictive effectiveness. NC is an indicator of subcutaneous fat, whose excess increases disease risk and is not influenced by factors that alter abdominal volume. APMT identifies muscle depletion and is comparable to other anthropometric predictors of malnutrition risk. HHI was proposed to identify individuals who experienced undernutrition early in life. Grounded in a robust theoretical foundation, it is a promising tool for advancing research on the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). The indicators analyzed are valuable for monitoring cardiometabolic risk factors, each with its unique characteristics. Understanding these particularities is essential for selecting the most appropriate indicators for different contexts, thus enabling more effective interventions.

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Original Article

Family History of Hypertension: Impact on Blood Pressure, Anthropometric Measurements and Physical Activity Level in Schoolchildren

Tatiana Affornali Tozo et al. Beatriz Oliveira Pereira Francisco José de Menezes Junior Cristianne Morgado Montenegro … Carla Marisa Maia Moreira Neiva Leite

Abstract

Background:

A family history of arterial hypertension (AH), combined with environmental risk factors, is directly related to the development of AH.

Objectives:

To evaluate the frequency of AH, anthropometric indicators and level of physical activity and their association with a family history (FH) of AH in school children.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study with 118 students, aged between 11 and 17 years, of both sexes. Waist circumference (WC), weight, height, level of physical activity and FH of HA were collected. Body mass index z score (BMI-z) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Binary logistic regression model was used to verify the chance risk, with significance p <0.05.

Results:

Of the 118 parents who answered the questionnaire, 34.7% had a positive FH of AH. Girls with a positive FH had higher means of WC (p= 0,004), BMI (p=0,020), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=0,006) than boys, and a higher risk of being overweight (OR=4,48; 95%CI:1,55–12,94), and having elevated WHtR (OR=5.98; 95%CI:1.66– 21.47) and SBP (OR=3,07; 95%CI:1,03–9,13) than girls without a FH, but they practice more vigorours moderate physical activity (MVPA) (p=0,039). On the other hand, no differences in these parameters were observed between boys with and without a FM of AH.

Conclusion:

Overweight and a FH of hypertension were associated with an increased risk for AH in girls. This was not observed among boys, perhaps due to more active lifestyle.

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IJCS

Editorial

Epicardial Fat Thickness: a Promising Cardiovascular Risk Factor that Requires in-Depth Studies

Roberto M. Saraiva et al. Andréa Rodrigues da Costa

This issue of the International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences presents a paper by Castanheira et al. that addresses epicardial fat (EF) thickness in an elderly Portuguese population. They describe the mean values of EF thickness and its correlation with anthropometric, echocardiographic, and clinical variables in these individuals.

EF is the visceral adipose tissue located between the myocardium and the visceral pericardium, and commonly found in the atrioventricular and interventricular grooves. EF has several physiological roles, including local effects on the heart, in a paracrine manner.^– EF can be measured non-invasively by echocardiography, and the measurement of EF thickness by 2D echocardiography has been proposed as a surrogate for visceral fat, since it is easier to perform as compared with direct measures such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, a significant correlation between EF and visceral fat measurements by MRI was demonstrated.

[…]

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IJCS

Original Article

The Association between Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT , and Tp-e/QTc Ratios and Coronary Artery Disease Spectrum and Syntax Score

Serkan Kahraman et al. Ali Dogan Gokhan Demirci Arda Guler … Ali Kemal Kalkan Fatih Uzun Nuri Kurtoglu Mehmet Erturk Mehmet Emin Kalkan

Abstract

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) causes electrical heterogeneity on ventricular myocardium and ventricular arrhythmia due to myocardial ischemia linked to ventricular repolarization abnormalities.

Objective

Our aim is to investigate the impact of increased level of CAD spectrum and severity on ventricular repolarization via Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios.

Methods

127 patients with normal coronary artery (group 1), 129 patients with stable CAD (group 2) and 121 patients with acute coronary syndrome (group 3) were enrolled. Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were evaluated as well as baseline demographic and clinical parameters. Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA test was used for comparing quantitative variables with abnormal distribution while One-Way ANOVA test was used for comparing the means between groups with normal distribution. Tukey HSD and Welch tests were used for subgroups analyses with normal distribution. Spearman analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between clinical variables and repolarization markers. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Tp-e interval [66(50-83), 71(59-82) and 76(64-86); group 1,2 and 3 respectively, p<0.001], Tp-e/QT (0.170.02, 0.180.01 and 0,190.01; group 1,2 and 3 respectively, p<0.001) and Tp-e/QTc (0.150.02, 0.160.02 and 0.170.02; group 1,2 and 3 respectively, p<0.001) ratios were found to be associated with increased level of CAD spectrum. Syntax score was positively correlated with Tp-e interval (r=0.514, p<0.001), Tp-e/QT (r=0.407, p<0.001), and Tp-e/QTc ratios (r=0.240, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Prolonged Tp-e interval and increased Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were detected in the presence of CAD and especially in patients with acute ischemic syndromes. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

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Original Article

Physical Activity Level, Anthropometric and Cardiovascular Profile Among Students in Sergipe State Attending Public Schools

Luan Morais Azevêdo et al. Lucas Souza Santos Emerson Pardono Jeeser Alves Almeida Aldemir Smith Menezes

Abstract

Background

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality among adults. Evidence has shown that sedentary behaviors are the main preventable outcome, however, many sedentary children also become sedentary adults. Therefore, identifying potential risk factors as early as possible contributes to therapeutic success.

Objective

To achieve an anthropometric and cardiovascular mapping of school-age students from Sergipe State, Brazil.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study with a representative sample from public schools in the state of Sergipe (n= 4700). Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed, and the Global School-based Student Health Survey was used to assess the physical activity level. An independent samples t-test was performed for all comparisons, and significance was established at 5% (p<0.05).

Results

Despite showing mean blood pressure values within reasonable limits (SBP = 114.1±12.4 mm Hg and DBP = 66.3±8.1 mm Hg), school-age students did not comply with global recommendations for health promotion. It was also observed a high rate of low body weight (42.6%), suggesting dietary compromises, which can interfere with the development of this population. In addition, only 7.3% of students met the minimum physical activity criteria proposed for maintaining their health status.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study emphasize the importance of maintaining Physical Education classes as an essential curricular component, since they provide several health benefits and ensure that this population reaches the minimum daily recommendations, preventing diseases in adult life. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

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Original Article

Correlation between Epicardial Fat Thickness and Clinical and Anthropometric Variables in an Elderly Population

Joaquim Castanheira et al. Cristiana Nunes Telmo Pereira

Abstract

Background

Epicardial fat (EF) thickness is a marker of visceral adiposity and consequently considered an important predictive marker of cardiovascular and metabolic risk.

Objective

To describe echocardiographic features of the heart in an elderly population and to study the correlation between EF thickness and clinical and anthropometric variables.

Methods

A sample of 34 individuals (25 women) aged between 65 and 92 years, who attended a private institution in the central region of Continental Portugal, was analyzed. A standardized sociodemographic questionnaire was applied, and anthropometric assessment, echocardiography and blood pressure measurement were performed in all subjects. A correlational analysis of EF thickness with anthropometric and clinical parameters was performed. The association between variables was tested by Pearson’s correlation and point-biserial correlation. A value of p < 0.05 was defined as statistically significant.

Results

EF thickness was higher in males (6.0 ± 1.4 mm vs 5.2 ± 0.9 mm in females), and ranged from 4 to 9 mm. There were statistically significant correlations between EF thickness and weight (r = 0.4; p = 0.02), body surface area (r = 0.4; p = 0.02), lean mass (r = 0.4; p = 0.03), calf circumference (r = 0.5; p = 0.01) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (r = 0.3; p = 0.04).

Conclusion

EF thickness was higher in males and was significantly correlated with anthropometric parameters of adiposity and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

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Original Article

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Under Conservative Treatment

Cássia Oliveira et al. Priscila Moreira de Lima Pereira Iris Teixeira Soares Melina Gabriela Monteiro … Marcus Gomes Bastos Ana Paula Carlos Cândido

Abstract

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is commonly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These diseases have a significant impact on life expectancy. Individuals with CKD are more likely to die from CVD than to progress to end-stage kidney disease.

Objective

To assess cardiovascular risk factors of patients with CKD under conservative treatment.

Methods

This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Socioeconomic, anthropometric, biochemical, and physical inactivity data were assessed, and 10-year risk for CVD were estimated using the Framingham Score in patients with CKD under conservative treatment. For statistical analysis, the Student’s t-test and Pearson’s chi-square test were performed.

Results

A total of 172 individuals were evaluated, 57% of whom were male, with an average age of 68.85 ± 11.41 years. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes were 87.2% and 53.5%, respectively; 62.2% were physically inactive; 9.9% of men were smokers and 12.8% consumed alcohol. According to BMI, 82.4% of adults <60 years old and 60.6% of those older than 60 years were overweight. High waist circumference and a high waist-hip ratio were highly prevalent in females (91.9% and 83.8%, respectively) and males (64.3% and 39.8%, respectively); 92.4% had a high body fat percentage and 73.3% high uric acid levels. According to the Framingham score, 57% have a medium or high risk of developing CVD in 10 years.

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the population studied. The assessment of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with CKD makes it possible to guide the conduct of health professionals to prevent mortality from cardiovascular causes. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

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IJCS

Viewpoint

Abdominal Circumference or Waist Circumference?

Tiago de Oliveira Chaves et al. Michel Silva Reis

Circumference measures, also called perimetry, are part of the anthropometric evaluation. Important Brazilian guidelines, as well as the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC), have considered the abdominal circumference values as a point of reference to classify the risk for cardiovascular disease development.

However, what is the adequate terminology that should be used to quantify the increased cardiovascular disease risk: abdominal circumference or waist circumference?

[…]

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Original Article

Adductor Pollicis Muscle Thickness as a Marker of Nutritional Status in Heart Failure

Fabiane da Silva Rosário et al. Denise Tavares Giannini Viviane de Oliveira Leal Ricardo Mourilhe-Rocha

Abstract

Background:

Malnutrition is associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). Thus, it is essential to apply reliable indicators to assess the nutritional status of these individuals.

Objective:

To evaluate the thickness of the adductor pollicis muscle (APM) in patients with HF as an indicator of somatic protein status and correlate the obtained values with conventionally used parameters and electrical bioimpedance (EBI) markers.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study with patients with HF undergoing regular outpatient treatment. APM thickness was measured in the dominant arm, and the values obtained were classified according to gender and age. The anthropometric parameters assessed included the body mass index (BMI) and specific parameters to assess the muscle (arm muscle circumference [AMC] and arm muscle area [AMA]). Values of phase angle (PA), standard PA (SPA), and lean mass were obtained by EBI. Statistical analyses were performed with the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 19, using unpaired Student’s t, Mann-Whitney, or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests for comparisons between groups, as appropriate. The correlation between variables of interest was performed using Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation coefficient, as adequate. The level of significance was set at 5%.

Results:

About 70% of the 74 patients evaluated were classified as malnourished according to the APM thickness. Values of AMC, AMA, and lean mass correlated positively with APM thickness (p < 0.005). The APM thickness also correlated positively with PA and SPA (r = 0.49, p < 0.001 and r = 0.31, p = 0.008, respectively).

Conclusion:

Patients with HF presented a high frequency of protein malnutrition when APM thickness was used as an indicator of nutritional status. APM thickness values correlated with conventional measures of somatic protein evaluation and may be related to the prognosis of these patients, since they correlated positively with PA and SPA.

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