Searched over 200M research papers for "wht causes"
6 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that various factors contribute to different outcomes: weakening ocean currents affect heat transport in the ocean, different measures of abdominal obesity provide insights into obesity-related mortality, and sympathetic hyperactivity is associated with potential organ damage in white-coat hypertension patients.
20 papers analyzed
Body Mass Index (BMI) and Mortality
Research has consistently shown that both general and abdominal obesity are significant predictors of mortality. Studies have demonstrated that BMI, a common measure of general obesity, exhibits a U- or J-shaped relationship with all-cause mortality, indicating that both very low and very high BMI values are associated with increased mortality risk. However, BMI alone may not be the most reliable predictor of mortality when compared to other obesity indices.
Waist Circumference (WC) and Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR)
Waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) are measures of abdominal obesity that have been found to provide additional predictive value for mortality beyond BMI. These measures have shown positive associations with mortality, suggesting that higher values are linked to increased risk of death . Specifically, WHtR has been identified as the best predictor of cardiovascular risk and mortality, outperforming BMI, WC, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in various studies.
Comparative Predictive Value of Obesity Measures
In studies comparing different obesity measures, WHtR consistently emerged as the strongest predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. This was followed by WC and WHR, while BMI showed the weakest association with cardiovascular outcomes. These findings suggest that central obesity measures, particularly WHtR, should be prioritized in clinical assessments for better risk stratification.
Obesity in the Elderly
Interestingly, in elderly populations aged 80 and over, increased WC and WHtR were associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. This counterintuitive finding indicates that in very elderly adults, higher abdominal fat may have a protective effect, a phenomenon that warrants further investigation.
Impact of Weight and Obesity Index Changes
Short-term changes in obesity indices also play a crucial role in mortality risk. Studies have shown that 1-year increases in weight, BMI, WC, WHR, and WHtR are associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality risks. However, over a 3-year period, only increases in weight, BMI, and WHR continued to show a protective effect, while changes in WC and WHtR did not significantly impact cardiovascular mortality. These findings highlight the complex and dynamic relationship between obesity changes and health outcomes.
Sympathetic Hyperactivity in White-Coat Hypertension
White-coat hypertension (WHT), characterized by elevated blood pressure in clinical settings but normal levels in daily life, has been linked to sympathetic hyperactivity. Studies using microneurography have shown that individuals with WHT exhibit higher muscle sympathetic nerve activity compared to normotensive individuals, though lower than those with essential hypertension (EHT). This sympathetic hyperactivity in WHT suggests that it may not be entirely benign and could contribute to target organ damage over time.
In summary, both general and abdominal obesity are significant predictors of mortality, with central obesity measures like WHtR providing superior predictive value for cardiovascular risk. Short-term changes in obesity indices also influence mortality risk, underscoring the importance of monitoring these measures over time. Additionally, sympathetic hyperactivity in white-coat hypertension highlights the potential risks associated with this condition. These insights emphasize the need for comprehensive obesity assessments and targeted interventions to mitigate mortality risks.
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