The circumference of the neck, or neck circumference (NC), is an easily measured anthropometric parameter that is gaining recognition as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Abnormal neck circumference values have been linked to several CVD risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. This article will explore the relationship between neck circumference and the risk of heart disease.

What is Neck Circumference?

Neck circumference is the measurement around the neck, just below the laryngeal prominence or Adam’s apple. This measurement is simple, noninvasive, and requires minimal equipment; a tape measure is all that is necessary.

Neck circumference is usually taken during physical examination or health assessments and is used to determine if a person may be at risk for certain medical conditions.

Neck Circumference and Obesity

Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2. It is a growing health concern worldwide and is associated with several medical conditions, including heart disease.

Neck circumference has been shown to be an accurate measure of obesity and a better predictor of metabolic risk factors than BMI alone. A study has established that NC can accurately predict the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a clustering of risk factors that increase the risk of CVD and type 2 diabetes.

In another study, the researchers found a significant correlation between NC and visceral fat area, which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Neck Circumference and Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant risk factor for CVD. Neck circumference has been shown to be associated with hypertension in several studies.

A study conducted on Chinese adults found that abdominal obesity, which is strongly correlated with NC, was a significant risk factor for hypertension. Another study on Indian adults also found that NC was positively associated with hypertension. It is suggested that increased neck fat and subcutaneous fat deposition in the neck may contribute to the development of hypertension.

Neck Circumference and Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus, or type 2 diabetes, is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels. Neck circumference has been shown to have a positive association with the risk of diabetes mellitus.

A study on Korean adults found that neck circumference was independently associated with diabetes mellitus after adjusting for BMI and waist circumference. The researchers suggested that the relationship between NC and diabetes is possibly due to excess fat deposition in the neck region, leading to insulin resistance and predisposition to diabetes.

Neck Circumference and Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease includes a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke.

Neck circumference has been shown to be a significant independent predictor of CVD. A study conducted on Indian adults found that NC was positively associated with the risk of CVD, independent of traditional risk factors such as age, sex, BMI, blood pressure, and lipid profile.

Another study conducted on a Chinese population found that NC was a stronger predictor of CVD mortality than BMI.

Conclusion

Neck circumference is a simple yet effective tool for predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Several studies have established a significant correlation between abnormal neck circumference values and various risk factors for CVD, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Early detection and intervention of neck circumference abnormalities may play a crucial role in reducing the risk of CVD.

Therefore, NC measurement should be considered as part of routine health assessments, especially in individuals who are at risk of CVD.