Normal-weight central obesity determined with either waist-hip ratio (WHR) or waist circumference (WC) is linked with high mortality risk in older people with coronary artery disease (CAD), according to a study involving more than 7,000 individuals 65 years of age or older.

Participants were from 5 cohort studies assessing mortality risk using WC or WHR in patients with CAD. Investigators looked at the 2 measures in combination with BMI as the primary predictor, and examined the relationship between obesity categories and mortality.

Among the results:

• Those with a normal BMI with high WHR or high WC had the highest mortality risk—they were nearly 30% more likely to die.

• High WHR also predicted mortality in the overall and sex-specific cohorts.

• High WC did not predict mortality in the overall cohort, but it did predict higher risk in men, who were 12% more likely to die.

The authors noted that their findings highlight the need to combine measures when using adiposity to assess risk.

Citation: Sharma S, Batsis J, Coutinho T, et al. Normal-weight central obesity and mortality risk in older adults with coronary artery disease. [Published online ahead of print February 6, 2016]. Mayo Clin Proc. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.12.007.