A Fat Neck Could Indicate Poor Heart
Reported March 12, 2009
Toronto (ECN) – While the waist may seem the most obvious sign of poor fitness
, a new study suggests that fat build-up on the neck may be a more potent indicator of heart disease risk.
Researchers from the Framingham Heart Study announced their findings at a meeting of the American Heart Association in Orlando on Wednesday.
Although the results may seem more curious than useful, doctors are hopeful that further study may be give them a new tool in evaluating risk.
Average neck circumferences of 15.9 inches for men and 13.5 inches for women corresponded with normal rates of cholesterol. For every 1.2 inches added to neck circumference researchers found approximately 2.2 milliliters difference in good cholesterol.
HDL cholesterol, or good cholesterol, clears veins by adhering to other forms of cholesterol, but not to the arterial wall. This leads to cholesterol being metabolized by the liver, rather than remaining behind to cause complications.
Increased neck fat was also shown to correspond to other negative effects, such as high blood glucose levels and additional bad cholesterol.
While not a perfect tool, doctors are confident that neck fat can be a useful indicator of general upper-body fitness, often seen as the best rubric by which to evaluate cardiovascular health.