What your neck says about your heart health
Here's a new way to tell if you're at risk for heart disease. Normally your doctor checks your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol level.
But maybe she should take a look at your neck. What's lurking beneath your turtleneck might hold an important health clue.
A big waist is a significant risk factor for heart disease, but now your neck might be, too.
"In a new study of 3,300 men and women, they found that a heavier neck can also spell trouble for heart disease," said health director Toni Hope.
In this study, women with larger than average necks showed significant hikes in blood sugar, triglycerides and blood pressure. How big is too big? While it's too early to call a specific neck size "risky," Good Housekeeping says the average neck size for women is around 13.5 inches.
"To measure your own neck size, you want to take a tape measure, pull it firmly - but not too tight - just below the Adam's apple," said Hope.
The study showed that as neck measurements went up, so did the risk factors for heart disease. And people with fat necks and larger waistlines were found to be at an even greater risk.
If you have an above-average size neck, it's probably time to check with your doctor and start a new diet and exercise routine to keep yourself heart healthy.
But maybe she should take a look at your neck. What's lurking beneath your turtleneck might hold an important health clue.
A big waist is a significant risk factor for heart disease, but now your neck might be, too.
"In a new study of 3,300 men and women, they found that a heavier neck can also spell trouble for heart disease," said health director Toni Hope.
In this study, women with larger than average necks showed significant hikes in blood sugar, triglycerides and blood pressure. How big is too big? While it's too early to call a specific neck size "risky," Good Housekeeping says the average neck size for women is around 13.5 inches.
"To measure your own neck size, you want to take a tape measure, pull it firmly - but not too tight - just below the Adam's apple," said Hope.
The study showed that as neck measurements went up, so did the risk factors for heart disease. And people with fat necks and larger waistlines were found to be at an even greater risk.
If you have an above-average size neck, it's probably time to check with your doctor and start a new diet and exercise routine to keep yourself heart healthy.