Researchers have found that measuring neck circumference could reveal hidden risks for heart problems, including atrial fibrillation (Afib), a common heart rhythm disorder. The size of a person's neck relative to their body has been linked to cardiovascular risk, nutritional status, and even mortality, according to studies.
Doctors are increasingly looking beyond body mass index (BMI) and waist size to understand how fat distribution affects health. Neck circumference serves as a simple measure of upper-body fat, which may release more fatty acids into the bloodstream, placing greater strain on the heart.
Data from the Framingham Heart Study and other research projects have associated a thicker neck with higher rates of diabetes, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure—key risk factors for Afib. These associations remain even after adjusting for BMI and waist measurements, suggesting neck size provides unique health insights.
A 2022 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association examined around 4,000 participants and found that men with a neck size of 17 inches or more, and women with 14 inches or more, faced a higher risk of developing Afib. The link was strongest among those with obesity.
The NHS describes Afib as a heart rhythm problem where the heartbeat is not steady, with symptoms including an irregular heartbeat, palpitations, and a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. A large neck has also been linked to obstructive sleep apnoea, which itself raises Afib risk.
The researchers concluded that neck circumference could be an easily obtainable measure for assessing Afib risk, calling for further studies to explore its role in prevention and treatment.
