The hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype among women

Michael J. LaMonte, Barbara E. Ainsworth, Katrina D. DuBose, Peter W. Grandjean, Paul G. Davis, Frank G. Yanowitz, J. Larry Durstine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

64 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Elevated plasma triglycerides (TG) and waist girth (hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW)) has been associated with elevated insulin, small dense low-density lipoprotein (sLDL) particles, and Apo B in men. The HTGW has not been reported for women and the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness ("fitness") on associations between HTGW and coronary risk factors is unknown. Purpose: To determine the prevalence of HTGW and the influence of fitness on the relationship between HTGW and coronary risk among 137 healthy women (54±9 year; body mass index (BMI)=28±6kg/m 2). Methods: HTGW was defined as waist girth >88cm and TG >150mg/dl. The metabolic triad was defined as insulin >31pmol/l, Apo B >69mg/dl and LDL-C >84mg/dl. Fitness was assessed with a maximal treadmill exercise test. Results: The sample prevalence of HTGW (n=15) was 11% (95% CI=5.7-16.0%). Apo B (P=0.04) and insulin (P=0.0001) increased across quintiles of waist girth, and LDL-C (P=0.004) increased across quintiles of TG. Metabolic triad prevalence was highest (67%, n=10) among HTGW women and lowest (22%, n=26) among non-HTGW women. A trend for higher coronary heart disease CHD risk factors was observed among HTGW compared with non-HTGW women. Among the HTGW group, a trend for lower CHD risk factors was observed among fit (≥6.5METs, n=7) versus unfit women (<6.5METs, n=8). Sample size limitations prohibited meaningful tests of significant differences in CHD risk factors when stratified simultaneously on HTGW and fitness status. Conclusions: HTGW is associated with increased coronary risk factors similarly among women as reported for men. Higher fitness may improve the CHD risk profile among women with HTGW.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)123-130
Number of pages8
JournalAtherosclerosis
Volume171
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Exercise
  • Lipids
  • Obesity
  • Women

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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