Association between a body shape index and stroke: a cross- sectional study

Background Globally, stroke remains a top cause of mortality and morbidity, highlighting the critical need for new predictive biomarkers to assess risk. A body shape index (ABSI) is increasingly recognized as a possible predictor of cardiovascular risk, though its connection with stroke incidence remains unclear. Methods This research utilizes data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), covering a representative sample of the US population from 2005 to 2018. A weighted multivariable logistic regression method was used to investigate the relationship between ABSI and stroke incidence, including subgroup analyses to investigate potential interactions involving coronary heart disease (CHD). Results Following covariate adjustment, the incidence of stroke and ABSI were found to correlate significantly positively (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.81). This association remained consistent when ABSI was categorized into quartiles. Subgroup analysis indicated an interaction effect among patients with CHD ( P for interaction = 0.002). Conclusion A significant association between ABSI and stroke incidence was demonstrated in our study. however, the relationship between ABSI and stroke may be attenuated or masked in patients with CHD.