Chiriacò M, Tricò D, Leonetti S, et al. - Findings demonstrate a more pronounced hypertensive impact of adiposity in women as well as in individuals with the II variant of the ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) genotype, a marker of salt sensitivity.

• A cohort analysis including 1,211 normotensive persons, aged 30 to 60 years and followed-up after 3.3 years.

• Independent links of body mass index and waist circumference (WC) with mean arterial pressure were found, with a stronger association in females than males and in persons with the ID (insertion/deletion) and II ACE genotypes in both genders.

• These links were independent of age, gender, lifestyle, and metabolic variables and demonstrated a significant interaction with the ACE genotype only in females.

• An elevation in the hypertension risk (at follow-up) was observed in relation to a 5 cm larger WC at baseline, only in women (odds ratio, 1.56) as well as in II genotype carriers (odds ratio, 1.87).