Handgrip strength conveys hypertension risk in adults

Middle-aged and older individuals with high weight-adjusted handgrip strength are at low risk of developing hypertension, a study suggests.

Researchers used data from the Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIH) cohort study and included 8,480 adults aged 40 years or older. Their handgrip strength was evaluated using a hydraulic handheld dynamometer.

Over a median follow-up of 4 years (maximum 6 years), the incidence rate of hypertension was 70 per 1,000 person-years.

When handgrip strength was measured in relation to weight, individuals in the higher vs lowest (reference) quartiles had a lower risk of hypertension.

In adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models, the hazards ratios (HRs) for incident hypertension associated with decreasing quartiles of weight-adjusted handgrip strength were 0.66 (95 percent confidence interval [CI] 0.58–0.75), 0.78 (95 percent CI 0.69–0.88), and 0.84 (95 percent CI 0.75–0.95; p_trend<0.0001).

Each-unit increase in weight-adjusted handgrip strength was associated with a risk reduction of 83 percent (HR 0.17, 95 percent CI 0.10–0.27; p<0.0001). Results were similar in men and women.

The role of muscular strength has been increasingly recognized in the prevention of chronic disease. The present data indicate a relationship between handgrip strength and the incidence of hypertension among the middle-aged and older population.