Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. According to the World Health Organization, more people die from heart disease than any other disease or health condition, with approximately 17.9 million deaths per year.

One surprising risk factor that may contribute to heart disease is arm circumference.

What is Arm Circumference?

Arm circumference is the measurement of the circumference of the upper arm, usually taken at the midpoint between the shoulder and elbow. It is commonly used in medical assessments to determine muscle mass, body fat percentage, and nutritional status.

Arm Circumference and Heart Disease

Recent studies have shown a surprising link between arm circumference and heart disease. Research has found that smaller arm circumference measurements are associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology evaluated the association between arm circumference and cardiovascular disease risk in older adults.

The study found that people with smaller arm circumference measurements had a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those with larger measurements.

Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology also found an association between arm circumference and heart disease.

The study evaluated the relationship between skeletal muscle mass and cardiovascular disease and found that arm circumference was a significant factor in predicting cardiovascular disease risk.

Arm circumference may be related to heart disease risk because it is a measure of muscle mass.

People with larger arm circumference measurements usually have more muscle mass, which is associated with better health outcomes, including lower cardiovascular disease risk.

Measuring Arm Circumference

Measuring arm circumference is a simple process that can be done at home or in a medical setting. To measure arm circumference, follow these steps:.

Locate the midpoint between the shoulder and elbow
Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the circumference of the upper arm at the midpoint
Make sure the tape measure is snug but not too tight around the arm
Record the measurement in inches or centimeters

Other Factors That Contribute to Heart Disease Risk

In addition to arm circumference, there are several other factors that contribute to heart disease risk, including:.

Age
Family history of heart disease
Smoking
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Obesity
Lack of physical activity

If you are concerned about your heart health, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk factors and develop a plan to reduce your risk.

How to Lower Your Heart Disease Risk

There are several lifestyle changes that you can make to lower your heart disease risk, including:.

Eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars
Get regular physical activity, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Reduce stress and practice relaxation techniques
Get regular health screenings, including blood pressure and cholesterol checks

Conclusion

Arm circumference may be an important factor in predicting cardiovascular disease risk. People with smaller arm circumference measurements may be at a higher risk of heart disease than those with larger measurements because they have less muscle mass.

Although arm circumference is just one factor that contributes to heart disease risk, it is important to be aware of all of your risk factors and work with your doctor to develop a plan to reduce your risk.