The hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype among women

Background: Elevated plasma triglycerides (TG) and waist girth (hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW)) has been associated with elevated insulin, small dense low-density lipoprotein (sLDL) particles, and Apo B in men. The HTGW has not been reported for women and the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness ("fitness") on associations between HTGW and coronary risk factors is unknown. Purpose: To determine the prevalence of HTGW and the influence of fitness on the relationship between HTGW and coronary risk among 137 healthy women (54 9 year; body mass index (BMI) = 28 +/- 6 kg/m(2)). Methods: HTGW was defined as waist girth >88 cm and TG > 150 mg/dI. The metabolic triad was defined as insulin >31 pmol/l, Apo B >69 mg/dI and LDL-C >84 mg/dI. Fitness was assessed with a maximal treadmill exercise test. Results: The sample prevalence of HTGW (n = 15) was 11% (95% CI = 5.7-16.0%). Apo B (P = 0.04) and insulin (P = 0.0001) increased across quintiles of waist girth, and LDL-C (P = 0.004) increased across quintiles of TG. Metabolic triad prevalence was highest (67%, n = 10) among HTGW women and lowest (22%, n = 26) among non-HTGW women. A trend for higher coronary heart disease CHD risk factors was observed among HTGW compared with non-HTGW women. Among the HTGW group, a trend for lower CHD risk factors was observed among fit (greater than or equal to6.5 METs, n = 7) versus unfit women (<6.5 METs, n = 8). Sample size limitations prohibited meaningful tests of significant differences in CHD risk factors when stratified simultaneously on HTGW and fitness status. Conclusions: HTGW is associated with increased coronary risk factors similarly among women as reported for men. Higher fitness may improve the CHD risk profile among women with HTGW. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.