There's been lots of coverage and discussion of sudden death from heart attack in the days since Tim Russert's death.
Here are two articles from yesterday's NY Times –
A Search for Answers in Russert’s Death – NYTimes.com
…Dr. Newman added, most people would rather focus on their LDL cholesterol, instead of taking measures to reduce their waist size. Studies have found a waist of over 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women is a risk factor for heart disease.
Mr. Russert’s cholesterol was not high, and medicine controlled his high blood pressure pretty well, Dr. Newman said. But, he added, Mr. Russert was “significantly overweight.” He also had a dangerous combination of other risk factors: high triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood, and a low level of HDL, the “good cholesterol” that can help the body get rid of the bad cholesterol that can damage arteries.
Even so, Dr. Newman said, “the autopsy findings were a surprise.”
And then there's this – I either have to get 3 inches taller or lose two inches from my waist!
How Does Your Waist Measure Up? – Well – Tara Parker-Pope – Health – New York Times Blog
Last month, The International Journal of Obesity suggested that, particularly for young people, the waist-to-height ratio might be a better indicator of overall health risks. Put simply, your waist should be less than half your height.
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