ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE WEIGHT ADJUSTED WAIST INDEX AND INCIDENT STROKE

Abstract

Objective: The association between weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) and stroke is unclear. We aimed to determine the relationship of the WWI and stroke among the elderly patients with hypertension. Design and method: The Cox regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between baseline WWI and the risk of new-onset stroke. Restricted cubic splines were performed to explore the shape of the association between baseline WWI and stroke. Besides, we conducted subgroup analyses and interaction tests. Results: A total of 4962 hypertensive participants aged more than 60 years without a history of stroke were recruited in our study. During a median follow-up of 3.2 years, 547 incidents of new-onset stroke occurred. After adjusted for covariates, cox regression models showed the positive relationship between the baseline WWI and first stroke event. The hazard ratios (HRs) gradually increases, along with augment in WWI. Compared to the lowest quartile of WWI (Q1), HR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for stroke in the Q4 were 1.87 (1.44, 2.42). In stratified analyses, the association between WWI and the risk of stroke maintained. Conclusions: High WWI showed a positive association with new on-set stroke among elderly patients with hypertension. The rising prevalence of WWI may increase the future burden of stroke in elderly hypertensive cases.