A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association indicates that maintaining a high body roundness index (BRI) over time may substantially increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease for adults over 45. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 10,000 participants in China over a 6-year period, found that those with persistently high BRI levels had up to 163% higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to those with low BRI levels.
Body roundness index, which combines measurements of waist circumference and height, is believed by some health professionals to better reflect abdominal and visceral fat distribution than the more commonly used body mass index (BMI). This study's findings suggest that BRI could serve as an important predictor of cardiovascular disease risk, potentially offering a new tool for early identification and prevention efforts.
The research team, led by Dr. Yun Qian from Nanjing Medical University, analyzed data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), tracking participants' BRI measurements from 2011 to 2016. They categorized participants into three groups based on their BRI trajectories: low-stable, moderate-stable, and high-stable.
Even after accounting for demographic factors, medical history, and other health measures such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, the study found that individuals in the moderate-stable and high-stable BRI groups still faced significantly higher risks of cardiovascular disease diagnosis during the study period. This held true for both overall cardiovascular disease incidence and specific events such as stroke and cardiac incidents.
Dr. Qian emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, "Our results indicate that 6 years of moderate-to-high stable BRI appeared to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, suggesting that BRI measurements may potentially be used as a predictive factor for cardiovascular disease incidence."
This research is particularly significant given that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming nearly 20 million lives annually according to the American Heart Association. With obesity being a major modifiable risk factor for heart disease, the identification of BRI as a potential predictor could have far-reaching implications for public health strategies and individual risk assessment.
The study's comprehensive approach, which included regular physical measurements, blood samples, and self-reported health updates, provides a robust foundation for its conclusions. However, the researchers note some limitations, including the study's focus on Chinese adults and the relatively short follow-up period of six years.
As the first large-scale study to evaluate BRI trajectories over time in relation to cardiovascular disease risk, this research opens new avenues for understanding and potentially mitigating heart disease risk. It suggests that healthcare providers might consider incorporating BRI measurements into their cardiovascular risk assessments, particularly for middle-aged and older adults.
The implications of this study extend beyond individual health concerns. With cardiovascular disease placing a significant burden on healthcare systems globally, any new tool for early risk identification and prevention could have substantial public health and economic impacts. Further research will be needed to confirm these findings in diverse populations and to explore how BRI measurements might be integrated into clinical practice and public health initiatives.
As obesity rates continue to rise worldwide, the importance of accurate and predictive measures of cardiovascular risk becomes increasingly critical. This study's findings on the relationship between BRI and cardiovascular disease risk represent a potentially valuable step forward in the ongoing battle against heart disease, offering hope for improved prevention strategies and patient outcomes in the future.
