Relationship between Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Neck Circumference Shown in the Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation (SCORE) Risk Model

Introduction: The most important way to reduce CVD-related mortality is to apply appropriate treatment according to the risk status of the patients. For this purpose, the SCORE risk model is used in Europe. In addition to these risk models, some anthropometric measurements are known to be associated with CVD risk and risk factors.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association of these anthropometric measurements, especially neck circumference (NC), with the SCORE risk chart.

Methods: This was planned as a cross-sectional study. The study population were classified according to their SCORE risk values. The relationship of NC and other anthropometric measurements with the total cardiovascular risk indicated by the SCORE risk was investigated.

Results: A total of 232 patients were included in the study. The patients participating in the study were analysed in four groups according to the SCORE ten-year total cardiovascular mortality risk. As a result, the NC was statistically significantly lower among the SCORE low and moderate risk group than all other SCORE risk groups (low-high and very high 36(3)-38(4) (IQR) p: 0.026, 36(3)-39(4) (IQR) p < 0.001, 36(3)-40(4) (IQR) p < 0.001), (moderate-high and very high 38(4) vs. 39(4) (IQR) p: 0.02, 38(4) vs. 40(4) (IQR) p < 0.001, 39(4) vs. 40(4) (IQR) p > 0.05). NC was found to have the strongest correlation with SCORE than the other anthropometric measurements.

Conclusions: Neck circumference correlates strongly with the SCORE risk model which shows the ten-year cardiovascular mortality risk and can be used in clinical practice to predict CVD risk.