Open AccessNeck Circumference Is Not Associated With Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Retired National Football League Players
Author(s) -
Pokharel Yashashwi,
Macedo Francisco Y.,
Nambi Vijay,
Martin Seth S.,
Nasir Khurram,
Wong Nathan D.,
Boone Jeffrey,
Roberts Arthur J.,
Ballantyne Christie M.,
Virani Salim S.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.22270
Subject(s) - medicine , odds ratio , body mass index , subclinical infection , confidence interval , cardiology , population , logistic regression , football , environmental health , political science , law
ABSTRACT Background Neck circumference ( NC ) is associated with metabolic syndrome ( MetS ) in the general population. It is not known if NC is associated with MetS and subclinical atherosclerosis in retired National Football League ( NFL ) players. Hypothesis We hypothesized that NC is associated with MetS and subclinical atherosclerosis (assessed as coronary artery calcium [ CAC ] and carotid artery plaque [ CAP ]) in retired NFL players. Methods NC was measured midway between the midcervical spine and midanterior neck in 845 retired NFL players. CAC presence was defined as total CAC score >0. CAP was defined as carotid plaque of at least 50% greater than that of the surrounding vessel wall, with a minimal thickness of at least 1.2 mm on carotid ultrasound. Logistic regression analysis was used for the association of NC with CAC or CAP . Results Of the participants, 21% had MetS . CAC and CAP were present in 62% and 56%, respectively. Those with MetS had a higher median NC than those without MetS (17 vs 16 inches, P < 0.0001). NC was not associated with the presence of CAC or CAP in an unadjusted model and after adjusting for age, race, and cardiometabolic risk factors (odds ratio [OR]: 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94–1.31 for CAC; OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.82–1.12 for CAP per 1‐standard deviation increase in NC [3.8 inches]). The results were similar when the predictor variable was NC indexed to body mass index. Conclusions In retired NFL players with a high prevalence of CAC and CAP , NC was not associated with coronary or carotid subclinical atherosclerosis. NC may not be the most appropriate risk marker for atherosclerosis.