Date of Award
Spring 2021
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Allison Ermol
Abstract
Introduction: Myocardial Infarction (MI), better known as a heart attack, occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries becomes blocked or clogged to the point of being unable to perfuse myocardial tissue. Standard biometric measurements when visiting an outpatient care provider include height and weight which are converted into body mass index (BMI). BMI can sometimes be misleading in judging future health outcomes such as heart attacks. Therefore, this review analyzes the use of waist to hip ratio (I) to predict future myocardial infarctions (P) subsequently to prevent such events (O) compared to the traditionally used metric of BMI (C).
Methods: A literature search was conducted through PubMed and EBSCO host in November 2019. A total of ten articles consisting of case control studies were selected based on publication date, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and sample population. The study design and results of these articles were then analyzed and compared.
Results: After reviewing the literature, the evidence collected by the majority of studies demonstrated a statistically significant risk attributed to high waist to hip ratio when predicting future myocardial infarctions. All studies compared waist to hip ratio and body mass index, but only one study did not show that waist to hip ratio measurement was not statistically more significant than the traditionally used biometric of body mass index. The studies that showed waist to hip circumference as the better prognosticator were conducted in specific geographic populations of people. Each individual study can then only be applicable to its respective population.
Discussion: The majority of the studies found that waist to hip ratio, compared to body mass index, was a better indicator of future myocardial infarction. All studies implemented thorough inclusion and exclusion criteria and ensured the same protocol was followed when collecting data including the most important biometrics. However, some studies showed flaws in selection bias of control groups and not being able to account for confounding variables.
Conclusion: Waist to hip ratio should be considered as standard biometric measurement when obtaining basic health data during routine outpatient visits. Waist to hip ratio is a better prognosticator of future myocardial infarctions and can therefore be used as a tool to educate and subsequently prevent those adverse events. Future studies should consider analysis of more diverse populations to allow data to become applicable ubiquitously.
Recommended Citation
Hover, Christopher, "Biometric prognosticators of future myocardial infarction: BMI vs. Waist to Hip Ratio" (2021). Capstone Showcase. 27.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2021/pa/27
Included in
Biometric prognosticators of future myocardial infarction: BMI vs. Waist to Hip Ratio
Introduction: Myocardial Infarction (MI), better known as a heart attack, occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries becomes blocked or clogged to the point of being unable to perfuse myocardial tissue. Standard biometric measurements when visiting an outpatient care provider include height and weight which are converted into body mass index (BMI). BMI can sometimes be misleading in judging future health outcomes such as heart attacks. Therefore, this review analyzes the use of waist to hip ratio (I) to predict future myocardial infarctions (P) subsequently to prevent such events (O) compared to the traditionally used metric of BMI (C).
Methods: A literature search was conducted through PubMed and EBSCO host in November 2019. A total of ten articles consisting of case control studies were selected based on publication date, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and sample population. The study design and results of these articles were then analyzed and compared.
Results: After reviewing the literature, the evidence collected by the majority of studies demonstrated a statistically significant risk attributed to high waist to hip ratio when predicting future myocardial infarctions. All studies compared waist to hip ratio and body mass index, but only one study did not show that waist to hip ratio measurement was not statistically more significant than the traditionally used biometric of body mass index. The studies that showed waist to hip circumference as the better prognosticator were conducted in specific geographic populations of people. Each individual study can then only be applicable to its respective population.
Discussion: The majority of the studies found that waist to hip ratio, compared to body mass index, was a better indicator of future myocardial infarction. All studies implemented thorough inclusion and exclusion criteria and ensured the same protocol was followed when collecting data including the most important biometrics. However, some studies showed flaws in selection bias of control groups and not being able to account for confounding variables.
Conclusion: Waist to hip ratio should be considered as standard biometric measurement when obtaining basic health data during routine outpatient visits. Waist to hip ratio is a better prognosticator of future myocardial infarctions and can therefore be used as a tool to educate and subsequently prevent those adverse events. Future studies should consider analysis of more diverse populations to allow data to become applicable ubiquitously.