- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Martha Grogan, M.D.
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Martha Grogan, M.D.
Martha Grogan, M.D.
Dr. Martha Grogan is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases. She is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and received her medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School. Dr. Grogan has been on staff at Mayo Clinic since 1995 and is a consultant in the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School.
Dr. Grogan is a noninvasive cardiologist specializing in heart failure, adult congenital heart disease and echocardiography. She has witnessed firsthand the importance of patient education in the treatment of diseases such as congestive heart failure and is excited about the tremendous educational opportunities now available through the Internet.
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Question
Waist-to-hip ratio: A risk factor for heart disease?
I know obesity is a risk factor for heart disease. But I've been told that body shape also plays a role. Is this true?
Answer
from Martha Grogan, M.D.
Yes, body shape can affect your heart disease risk. Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease. But people who carry most of their excess weight around their waist (often referred to as "apple" shapes) are at even greater risk of heart disease than are those who carry most of their excess weight below their waist ("pear" shapes).
There are a couple of ways to determine whether you're carrying too much weight around your abdomen:
- Waist circumference. Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of your waist at its smallest point — usually just above your navel. A waist measurement of greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters) for men or 35 inches (89 centimeters) for women indicates increased health risks.
- Waist-to-hip ratio. Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of your waist at its smallest point. Then measure the circumference of your hips at their widest point. To calculate your waist-to-hip ratio, divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. A waist-to-hip ratio of greater than 0.9 for men and 0.85 for women indicates increased health risks.
The reason why body shape affects heart disease risk isn't well understood. But individuals with apple shapes are more likely to have metabolic syndrome — another risk factor for heart disease. Although it can be difficult to change your natural body shape, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly are the best ways to minimize your waistline.
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