When it comes to heart health, doctors usually focus on cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist size. But recent studies suggest that neck circumference could also reveal cardiovascular risk.
Why the Neck Matters
Fat around the neck is different from fat in other areas like the hips. It’s metabolically active, influencing blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. In other words, extra neck fat isn’t passive—it actively impacts heart health.
What the Research Shows
A Shanghai study of over 1,400 adults aged 50–80 followed for eight years found that men with necks larger than 38.5 cm and women above 34.5 cm had higher chances of strokes and heart attacks. The risk was stronger in men.
Another study of 12,000 high-risk individuals over nine years found that larger neck size was linked to more heart attacks, strokes, and even higher mortality. Unlike the Shanghai study, this effect was seen in both men and women with existing health risks.
Neck Size in Context
Neck circumference does not replace standard health checks like blood tests, ECGs, or blood pressure measurements. Instead, it serves as a simple, non-invasive indicator for doctors to investigate further, especially for high-risk individuals.
Fat distribution matters as much as overall weight. Two people with the same BMI can have different cardiovascular risks if one has more fat around the neck and waist.
Should Neck Size Be Monitored?
Doctors are beginning to consider neck measurement as part of routine checks for those at risk, though more research is needed. For now, it’s a supportive measure, not a stand-alone predictor.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
[With TOI inputs]
Why the Neck Matters
Fat around the neck is different from fat in other areas like the hips. It’s metabolically active, influencing blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. In other words, extra neck fat isn’t passive—it actively impacts heart health.
What the Research Shows
A Shanghai study of over 1,400 adults aged 50–80 followed for eight years found that men with necks larger than 38.5 cm and women above 34.5 cm had higher chances of strokes and heart attacks. The risk was stronger in men.
Another study of 12,000 high-risk individuals over nine years found that larger neck size was linked to more heart attacks, strokes, and even higher mortality. Unlike the Shanghai study, this effect was seen in both men and women with existing health risks.
Neck Size in Context
Neck circumference does not replace standard health checks like blood tests, ECGs, or blood pressure measurements. Instead, it serves as a simple, non-invasive indicator for doctors to investigate further, especially for high-risk individuals.
Fat distribution matters as much as overall weight. Two people with the same BMI can have different cardiovascular risks if one has more fat around the neck and waist.
Should Neck Size Be Monitored?
Doctors are beginning to consider neck measurement as part of routine checks for those at risk, though more research is needed. For now, it’s a supportive measure, not a stand-alone predictor.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
[With TOI inputs]
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