Genetic Predisposition of Both Waist Circumference and Hip Circumference Increased the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism

Abstract

Background: Obesity, especially abdominal obesity, is an independent indicator of increased cardiovascular risk. Observational studies have shown an observational association between obesity and venous thromboembolism (VTE). As a type of VTE, pulmonary embolism (PE) is also associated with obesity. But it is unclear whether the observed associations are causal or caused by confounding bias or reverse causality. Methods: We performed a two-sample by obtaining the exposure data set of WC and HC from the Neale Lab Consortium’s genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data and the summary-level outcome data of VTE and PE from FinnGen Biobank of European ancestry to determine the causal effect of WC and HC on VTE and PE. Results: All three Mendelian Randomization (MR) methods displayed a positive association between WC/HC and VTE/PE. WC and HC were positively associated with VTE [odds ratio(OR)= 1.803 per 1 standard deviation(SD) increase in WC, 95% confidence intervals(CI) = 1.393-2.333; P< 0.001; OR = 1.479 per 1SD increase in HC, 95% CI = 1.219-1.796; P< 0.001, respectively]. Furthermore, we found a causal association between genetically predicted WC/HC and higher risk of PE (OR=1.929 per 1SD increase in WC, 95% CI=1.339-2.778, P < 0.001; OR=1.431 per 1SD increase in HC, 95% CI =1.095-1.869; P = 0.009, respectively). Conclusion: There is a significant causal relationship between WC/HC and VTE/PE, which is consistent with observational studies. Taking measures to reduce WC/HC of obesity may help reduce the incidence of VTE/PE.

Thrombosis and Haemostasis 2023 Editors' Choice Papers

“…Emerging research also explores the nuanced impact of body mass distribution on this condition, highlighting complexities beyond overall body weight. Wang et al 46 investigated the link between waist circumference and hip circumference with VTE, and particularly PE . They provided insights into visceral fat mass distribution as an independent risk factor for VTE.…”

Incidence and Risk Factors for Pregnancy-Associated Venous Thromboembolism: Are There Differences between East and West?

“…1 Even in this journal there has been much interest in the epidemiology, prognosis, and risk factors for VTE, as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the propensity to develop this common condition. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Pregnancy is an important risk factor for VTE. Several previous studies reported the incidence of pregnancy-associated VTE (PA-VTE) for Western population.…”

“…1 Even in this journal there has been much interest in the epidemiology, prognosis, and risk factors for VTE, as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the propensity to develop this common condition. 2 3 4 5 6 7…”

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Deep Vein Thrombosis: Serving at Break Point

“…1 Lifetime estimated risk of VTE in the United States is 8.1%, notably higher in black persons. Other important risk factors for developing VTE include obesity, 2 postsurgical populations, 3 recently hospitalized, cancer, 4 and those with sleep apnea. 5 Recent focus has included the associations of VTE to pregnancy and family history in women of childbearing age 6 7 as well as those with assisted reproductive technology.…”