Nearly 40 percent of people in Taiwan have unhealthy waist measurements, a risk factor for metabolic syndrome, which could lead to cerebrovascular disease, according to the results of a survey released yesterday.
The survey, conducted by the Taiwan Millennium Health Foundation, also found that 60 percent of women and 70 percent of men with extra weight around the waist suffer from abnormal blood pressure.
The foundation said a healthy waist circumference is 80cm for women and 90cm for men.
Large waist measurements are linked to metabolic syndrome and cerebrovascular disease, said Chu Nain-feng (祝年豐), a doctor at Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital.
Citing the results of research done by McMaster University last year, Chu said that people with unhealthy waist measurements are among the groups at high risk for transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-strokes.
The chances of developing a possibly fatal stroke within a week of a TIA are about 10 percent higher than normal, he said.
“People find it difficult to detect that they have had a mini-stroke because it usually lasts only a short time and recovery is quick,” Chu said, adding it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention in such cases, he said.
The foundation encouraged people to exercise, have regular health checks and adopt a healthy diet.
The survey was conducted nationwide on Nov. 6 last year among 9,245 respondents over the age of 20.
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