Can Neck Circumference Predict Metabolic Syndrome? An Experience From A University Community

Abstract

Neck circumference (NC) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. The data for the measurement of the NC to predict metabolic syndrome (MetS) are limited. The objectives of this study were to determine the capability of the NC to detect MetS and to identify the optimal cutoff points of the NC among Thais. Participants who were aged ≥50 years who attended the Healthy Ageing Khon Kaen University Campus Project between March 2012 and April 2015 were recruited to this cohort study specific for atherosclerotic-related diseases. Baseline characteristics, anthropometric measures including NC, and metabolic profiles were collected. MetS was identified using the criteria of the National Cholesterol Educational Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and International Diabetes Foundation (IDF). There were 201 males and 386 females recruited for this study. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) of NC based on the IDF criteria for females and males were 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75, 0.84) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.79, 0.9), respectively. For the NCEP ATP III criteria, the AUCs were 0.77 (95% CI 0.72, 0.82) in females and 0.71 (95% CI 0.64, 0.78) in males. An NC of 39 cm using IDF criteria for makes was determined as the optimal cutoff point to identify subjects with MetS. An NC of 33 cm for females was the best cutoff point for determining which subjects had MetS using both criteria. NC measurement and the use of established cutoff points is useful for predicting MetS in older Thai people.