New Study Reveals Waist-to-Height Ratio as Key Indicator for Heart Disease Risk

A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas indicates that the waist-to-height ratio is a more accurate predictor of heart disease risk than BMI. This research highlights the importance of assessing cardiovascular health beyond traditional obesity metrics, particularly for individuals with a BMI under 30. The findings suggest that using waist-to-height ratio could lead to earlier identification of at-risk patients, allowing for timely interventions. This shift in focus could significantly impact how heart disease risk is evaluated and managed in clinical settings.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 4, 2025, 16:29 IST

Significance of Waist-to-Height Ratio in Cardiovascular Health

New Delhi, Nov 4: A recent study has highlighted that the ratio of waist circumference to height is a more accurate predictor of heart disease risk than the traditional body mass index (BMI). This research, published in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas, suggests a potential shift in how both healthcare professionals and the public evaluate cardiovascular health, particularly for individuals who do not fit the conventional obesity criteria.

Lead researcher Thiago Bosco Mendes from the University of Pittsburgh stated, "While higher BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio were all linked to an increased risk of future cardiovascular issues, only the waist-to-height ratio remained significant after adjusting for other established risk factors like age, gender, smoking habits, physical activity, diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol levels."

The study analyzed data from 2,721 adults without cardiovascular disease at the start, tracking them for over five years. Notably, the predictive strength of waist-to-height ratio was particularly evident among individuals with a BMI below 30, who might be unaware of their cardiovascular risk.

Unlike BMI, which does not differentiate between fat types or distribution, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) provides a direct measure of central obesity, which is more closely associated with heart disease. The findings indicate that individuals with a BMI under 30 but a WHtR exceeding 0.5 could be at an elevated risk for coronary artery calcification, a significant indicator of cardiovascular disease, even if they lack other risk factors.

Senior author Marcio Bittencourt, an Associate Professor of Medicine at Pitt, emphasized the importance of using waist-to-height ratio as a screening tool for cardiovascular health. He noted, "This method could facilitate earlier detection and intervention for patients at risk who might otherwise go unnoticed. It offers a straightforward yet effective means to identify heart disease risk, even when a patient's weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure appear normal."