Waist size outdoes BMI in predicting heart failure risk, study finds
A Jackson Heart Study analysis found that waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio—measures of central obesity—predicted future heart failure risk, while BMI did not; higher systemic inflammation (hs-CRP) partially mediated this link (about 25–29%), suggesting fat distribution and inflammation drive risk; the study's limitations include a single-site African-American cohort and pending peer review; implications point to prioritizing central obesity and inflammation management through lifestyle changes to reduce heart failure risk.
