# Neck Circumference and Hypertension in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Baseline Phase Findings of the Ardakan Cohort Study on Aging, Iran

## TL;DR

This study finds that neck circumference is linked to hypertension in older Iranian adults, with a stronger association in women.

## Contribution

The study establishes a novel association between neck circumference and hypertension in a Middle Eastern aging population.

## Key findings

- Neck circumference was significantly associated with hypertension in both genders.
- The association was slightly stronger in women compared to men.
- Triglyceride levels were significantly linked to hypertension only in women.

## Abstract

Background: Neck circumference (NC) is a measure to identify upper-body adiposity and has been hypothesized to be linked with hypertension (HTN). This study endeavors to examine the association between NC and HTN among middle-aged and elderly Iranian adults.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, adults over 50 years of age were recruited through a stratified random sampling approach. Anthropometric measurements, blood biochemical indicators, blood pressure (BP) readings, and evaluations of physical activity (PA) levels were conducted.

Results: In the univariable regression analyses, age, NC, body mass index, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, total cholesterol, presence of diabetes, PA levels, LDL-C, and HDL-C were found to be associated with HTN in both genders (p < 0.2). Notably, triglyceride levels showed a significant association solely among females. Subsequent multivariable regression analyses revealed an association between NC and HTN in both male and female participants (adjusted OR = 1.04 (95% CI: 1.008, 1.08) and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.10), respectively).

Conclusion: Individuals with higher NC demonstrated an increased likelihood of developing HTN. The strength of this association appeared to be slightly more pronounced in women. Consequently, individuals with larger NC measurements should undergo regular monitoring of BP levels to mitigate potential HTN risks.