Association of Neck Circumference with Body Composition and Cardiovascular Parameters in Young Healthy Adult Males

Abstract

Background and Aim: Increased Neck circumference is the marker of upper body obesity and identified as an indicator of future cardiovascular disease risk (CVD). Hence, in this study, we assessed the relationship of Neck circumference (NC) with basal cardiovascular and body composition (BC) parameter in young adult males. Methods: Sixty three healthy young adult male volunteers of age between 18 to 25 years were enrolled for this study and they were divided into two groups based on neck circumference (NC). Control group (n = 32) comprises of individuals with normal neck circumference of ≤ 35.5 cm and study group (n = 31) includes individuals with increased neck circumference of ≥ 35.5 cm. The, BC parameters was assessed by Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) method using Quadscan 4000. And the basal cardiovascular parameters such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR) was measured by automated sphygmomanometer and the pulse pressure (PP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the rate pressure product (RPP) were derived. Results: Data was expressed in Mean ± SD. The groups were compared using Independent Student’s t test. The association between NC and various study parameters were assessed by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Our study, revealed increased body fat and reduced muscle mass in individuals with increased NC. Further, we observed a positive correlation of NC with body fat (%) and negative correlation with Lean Body Mass. Cardiovascular parameters SBP, DBP, MAP and PP were elevated in subjects with increased NC. Further, positive correlation is seen with SBP, DBP, RPP and NC. Conclusion: Neck circumference is a readily measurable screening tool of upper-body adiposity and increased NC is associated with CVD risk.