Measure Your Waist Circumference to Assess Your Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke
Measuring your waist circumference is a simple and effective way to assess your risk for heart disease and stroke. Waist circumference is a measure of the amount of fat around your abdomen. This type of fat, known as visceral fat, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.
How to Measure Your Waist Circumference
To measure your waist circumference, follow these steps:
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place a tape measure around your waist, just above your hip bones.
- Make sure the tape measure is snug, but not too tight.
- Read the measurement in inches or centimeters.
For most adults, a waist circumference of more than 40 inches (102 cm) for men and 35 inches (89 cm) for women is considered high risk.
What Your Results Mean
Your waist circumference measurement can help you assess your risk for heart disease and stroke. The higher your waist circumference, the greater your risk.
The following table shows the risk categories for waist circumference:
| Waist Circumference (inches) | Risk Category |
|---|---|
| <35 (women) or <40 (men) | Low risk |
| 35-39.9 (women) or 40-44.9 (men) | Moderate risk |
| >=40 (women) or >=45 (men) | High risk |
If your waist circumference is in the high risk category, you should talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. These may include losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.
Other Risk Factors for Heart Disease and Stroke
In addition to waist circumference, there are other risk factors for heart disease and stroke, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Family history of heart disease or stroke
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.
Conclusion
Measuring your waist circumference is a simple and effective way to assess your risk for heart disease and stroke. If your waist circumference is in the high risk category, you should talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.
