Recent research has suggested that Waist-To-Tallness Ratio (WTR) has greater specifity and sensitivity for overall-cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk than either body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference (WC). Schneider, et al. (2005) recently reported a cut-off value for WTR of 0.53 for women and 0.55 for men.

Purpose:

To determine whether WTR is a useful marker of CVD risk in primary prevention.

Methods:

Adults (n = 887; AGE = 46.6 +/- 11yrs) completed a smoking (SMOKE), heart disease (CVD), diabetes (DM) and physical activity (PA) survey at a wellness screening. Height, weight, WC, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and percent body fat (%BF) were measured; BMI and WTR were calculated. Differences between genders for CVD risk were explored by one-way ANOVA; differences between gender cut-points and WTR were compared by one sample t-test; significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

There were no significant differences between males and females for AGE, SMOKE, or PA (P > 0.05). Females were more likely to have a family history of CVD and DM (P < 0.05). Both male and female WC (100.6 +/- 14 cm and 86.2 +/- 16 cm, respectively) was below current cut-points. Females had increased %BF compared to males (35.2 +/- 7% vs. 27.0 +/- 7%). Males had greater BMI (30.2 +/- 7 vs. 29.0 +/- 5), SBP (131 +/- 15 mmHg vs. 124 +/- 17 mmHg) and DBP (83 +/- 10 mmHg vs. 79 +/- 10 mmHg) compared to females (all P < 0.05). Male WTR (0.57; P < 0.05) was greater than cut-point and female WTR (0.53; P = 0.37) equaled cut point.

Conclusions:

Both males and females were at increased risk for CVD based on WTR cut-points suggested by Schneider, et al. (2005) despite WC being below current cut-points. The greater WTR cut-point in males was associated with increased BMI, SBP, and DBP compared to females. These results suggest WTR alone may not adequately predict overall CVD risk in adults. In addition, it may be useful to consider gender differences when designing primary prevention interventions to reduce overall risk for CVD.