Pot Belly May Signal Diseased Arteries

The tape measure may beat the scale as a low-tech indicator of atherosclerosis, new research shows. Atherosclerosis means the hardening of the arteries, which makes heart attacks and stroke more likely. Doctors have sophisticated tools to search for signs of atherosclerosis. But a tape measure may give you a rough idea of your risk -- and if you've got a pot belly, watch out.