Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate anthropometric indices in acute myocardial infarction patients and their relationship with  some coronary heart disease risk factors.

Background. Several studies showed that not only the quantity, but also the distribution of the fat mass is important, because increased visceral fat tissue deposition is a risk factor for cardio-metabolic diseases.

Method. In this cross-sectional study with a descriptive correlational design, 140 patients with acute myocardial infarction were selected from cardiac care unit of Shariati and Rajaei hospital in Karaj, 2009. The sampling method was convenience. Demographic data and history of cardiovascular risk factors were collected through interview, and some medical information were reviewed from medical records, anthropometric indices were measured by balance scale and meter tape. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson coefficient correlation.

Findings. Neck circumference of 46.6% of men was over 40cm and 33.3% of women more than 37cm. Also, 53.9% of men and 74.1% of women had a waist circumference above 95 cm. Waist-to-hip ratio of 66.4% of men over 0.95 and 66.7% of women over 0.90. Waist-to-height ratio of 61.9%% of men over 0.55 and 66.7% of women over 0.62. Also, 13.3% of males and 29.6% of women had a BMI above 30 kg/m².There were significant positive correlation between triglyceride levels with neck circumference (p=0.006), waist circumference (p<0.001), waist-to-height ratio (p<0.001) and BMI (p<0.001), between cholesterol with neck circumference (p=0.009), waist circumference (p=0.001), waist-to-height ratio (p=0.003) and BMI (p<0.001), between LDL with waist circumference (P=0.005), waist-to-height ratio (p=0.014) and between glucose with waist-to-height (p=0.038). HDL had negative correlation with Waist-to-hip ratio (p<0.001) and waist-to-height ratio (p=0.001).

Conclusion. More than half of myocardial infarction patients had central obesity. Central obesity is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. It Seems that lifestyle change and weight loss are to be considered during cardiac rehabilitation programs for myocardial infarction patients with overweight and obesity for reduces cardiovascular risk factors.