Researchers in Ghana studied 175 market women to understand what body measurements might predict high blood pressure and heart disease risk. They found that over half of the women had high blood pressure. The study looked at five different body measurements, including neck circumference (the size around your neck), weight, and waist size. Neck circumference turned out to be surprisingly useful for spotting who might be at risk for heart problems. This is exciting because measuring your neck is quick, easy, and doesn’t require any special equipment—unlike some other health tests. The findings suggest doctors might want to pay more attention to neck size when checking if someone is at risk for heart disease.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can simple body measurements like neck size, weight, and waist size help predict who will develop high blood pressure?
  • Who participated: 175 women who work in markets in Koforidua, Ghana, ranging from 18 to 60 years old
  • Key finding: Neck circumference was a strong predictor of high blood pressure, especially for the top number (systolic pressure). A neck size of about 30.5 centimeters (12 inches) or larger was linked to higher blood pressure risk. More than half of the women studied had high blood pressure.
  • What it means for you: If you’re a woman, your doctor might want to measure your neck as part of checking your heart disease risk. This is a simple, free test that could help catch problems early. However, this study was done in one specific group in Ghana, so results may not apply equally to all women everywhere.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers took a snapshot in time of 175 market women in Ghana. They collected information all at once about each woman’s age, diet, exercise habits, and various body measurements. They also checked everyone’s blood pressure. Then they looked at which body measurements seemed most connected to high blood pressure.

The researchers measured five different body indicators: neck circumference (around the neck), body mass index or BMI (weight compared to height), hip index (hip size), waist circumference (around the waist), and body roundness index (overall body shape). They used statistical tools to figure out which measurements were most helpful for predicting who had high blood pressure.

They used a special analysis called ROC analysis, which is like a test to see how good each measurement is at spotting who has high blood pressure. Think of it like testing different tools to see which one works best for a job.

This approach matters because it looks at real people in their actual communities, not in a lab setting. Market women in Ghana often have different lifestyles and health challenges than people in wealthy countries, so studying them helps us understand heart disease risk in developing countries where most heart disease deaths actually happen. Finding simple, cheap ways to spot heart disease risk—like measuring neck size—could save lives in places where fancy medical equipment isn’t available.

This study has some strengths: it measured multiple body indicators and used proper statistical methods. However, there are important limitations to understand. The study only looked at one group of women at one point in time, so we can’t prove that neck size causes high blood pressure—only that they’re connected. The sample size of 175 is moderate, which is okay but not huge. The study was done in one specific location in Ghana, so the results might not apply the same way to women in other countries or different settings. Additionally, the study couldn’t account for all factors that affect blood pressure, like stress, sleep, or family history.

What the Results Show

The most important finding was that neck circumference emerged as a strong predictor of high blood pressure, particularly for systolic pressure (the top number). When researchers tested how well each body measurement could predict high blood pressure, neck circumference performed notably well. The study found that a neck circumference of 30.50 centimeters (about 12 inches) or larger was associated with increased blood pressure risk.

Body mass index (BMI) also showed predictive value for high blood pressure, with an optimal cutoff point of 27.65 kg/m². This means women with a BMI above this number were more likely to have high blood pressure. Weight itself also correlated positively with diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number).

Interestingly, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio—measurements that doctors often use to assess heart disease risk—were less relevant in this study. This was somewhat surprising because these measurements are commonly used in other populations.

The overall prevalence of high blood pressure in this group was very high at 53.7%, meaning more than half of the market women studied had high blood pressure. This is concerning and suggests this population faces significant heart disease risk.

Age showed a significant positive correlation with systolic blood pressure, meaning older women tended to have higher top blood pressure numbers. Hip index also emerged as a key predictor of hypertension in the ROC analysis. The study found that multiple body measurements were connected to blood pressure, but neck circumference and BMI were the most useful for prediction. The findings suggest that body composition and distribution matter for heart disease risk in this population.

This study adds to growing evidence that neck circumference might be an underused tool for assessing heart disease risk. While most doctors focus on waist circumference and BMI, this research suggests neck size deserves more attention. The high prevalence of high blood pressure (53.7%) in this group is consistent with research showing that cardiovascular disease is a major problem in developing countries. The findings support the idea that simple, accessible measurements might be just as useful as more complex ones for identifying at-risk individuals.

This study has several important limitations. First, it’s cross-sectional, meaning it captured one moment in time. We can’t say that neck size causes high blood pressure—only that they’re connected. Second, the study only included market women in one city in Ghana, so results might not apply to other groups or locations. Third, the researchers couldn’t measure or control for many factors that affect blood pressure, like stress levels, sleep quality, family history of heart disease, or medication use. Fourth, the study didn’t follow people over time, so we don’t know if the measurements actually predict who will develop heart disease in the future. Finally, the sample size, while reasonable, was moderate—larger studies might give more reliable results.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, doctors might consider measuring neck circumference as part of routine heart disease risk screening, especially for women. This is a simple, free measurement that takes seconds. However, neck circumference should not replace other important checks like blood pressure monitoring and BMI assessment—it should be used alongside them. Women should continue following standard heart health advice: maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet low in salt, manage stress, and get regular check-ups. The confidence level for these recommendations is moderate because the study was done in one specific population and was cross-sectional rather than following people over time.

This research is most relevant to women, particularly those in developing countries where access to advanced medical testing may be limited. Healthcare providers in resource-limited settings should especially consider this finding. Women who are concerned about their heart disease risk should discuss neck circumference measurements with their doctors. However, these findings may not apply equally to men or to people in very different geographic or cultural settings. People with existing heart disease or high blood pressure should continue following their doctor’s treatment plans rather than relying only on neck measurements.

If you make lifestyle changes based on these findings, you might see improvements in blood pressure within 2-4 weeks, though more significant changes typically take 2-3 months. Neck circumference itself won’t change quickly—it usually takes consistent diet and exercise changes over months to see reductions in neck size. The most important thing is to start monitoring and making changes now, as high blood pressure develops gradually and can be prevented or managed with early intervention.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Measure your neck circumference monthly using a soft measuring tape placed horizontally around your neck just below your larynx (Adam’s apple). Record the measurement in centimeters. Track this alongside your monthly weight and waist circumference to see patterns over time. A measurement of 30.5 cm or less is associated with lower blood pressure risk.
  • Use the app to set a goal to reduce neck circumference by 1-2 centimeters over 3 months through consistent exercise (150 minutes of moderate activity weekly) and dietary improvements (reducing salt and processed foods). Log your weekly exercise sessions and daily salt intake to stay accountable. The app can send weekly reminders to measure your neck and update your progress.
  • Create a monthly tracking dashboard showing your neck circumference trend alongside blood pressure readings (if you have a home monitor) and weight. Set alerts if your neck circumference increases by more than 0.5 cm in a month, which might indicate you need to adjust your diet or exercise. Review your three-month trend to see if lifestyle changes are working, and share results with your doctor at regular check-ups.

This research describes an association between neck circumference and high blood pressure in a specific population of market women in Ghana. It does not prove that neck size causes high blood pressure. These findings may not apply equally to all women or to men. Neck circumference measurement should not replace standard blood pressure monitoring, medical check-ups, or treatment prescribed by your doctor. If you have high blood pressure or concerns about heart disease risk, please consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.