Research suggests that the size of a person's neck relative to their body may predict cardiovascular risk, according to findings from the Framingham Heart Study and other research. Doctors are increasingly looking beyond body mass index (BMI) and waist size to understand how fat distribution affects health, with neck circumference serving as a simple measure of upper-body fat.
A 2022 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association examined data from 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 atrial fibrillation (Afib) compared to those with smaller measurements. This association remained even after adjusting for BMI, waist circumference, height and weight.
Scientists believe that fat stored in the upper body releases more fatty acids into the bloodstream than fat stored lower down, placing greater strain on the heart. A larger neck has also been linked to obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition that raises the likelihood of Afib. 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 over 100 beats per minute.
The study's authors concluded that “neck circumference potentially may be used as an easily obtainable measure for assessing risk of incident Afib,” and called for further studies to explore its role in prevention and treatment. The association was strongest among participants with obesity, suggesting neck size may be an especially important risk marker in this group.
