Grip strength is associated with markers of central hemodynamics

Objectives. Reduced muscular strength (measured by grip strength) has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Further research is needed to identify how muscular strength is associated with various markers of cardiovascular function to provide at least some mechanistic explanation for observed interrelations. We, therefore, addressed the question of whether handgrip (HG) strength is associated with descriptors of peripheral and central hemodynamics in the population of healthy individuals. Design. Two hundred thirty-one healthy volunteers (90 men and 141 women, mean age 54 years) were studied. Patients were asked to perform the maximum handgrip trial in the standing position with the dominant arm, using hydraulic hand dynamometer. Applanation tonometry was used to execute the non-invasive assessment of the pressure waveform. Results. HG strength was associated with various markers of hemodynamics and clinical characteristics, e.g. correlated significantly and positively with BMI [body mass index, r = 0.21, p = .001], PPA [pulse pressure amplification, r = 0.43, p < .0001], Tr [time to return of pressure wave, r = 0.43, p < .0001] and significantly and negatively with AP [augmentation pressure, r = -0.45, p < .0001]. Multiple linear regression showed that sex, handgrip and mean blood pressure were independently associated with AP (R² = 0.38), PPA (R² = 0.21) and Tr (R² = 0.29). Conclusions. Our study demonstrated the association between handgrip strength and central hemodynamic metrics. These interactions may add a mechanistic explanation for the role of muscle strength as a risk marker for incident cardiovascular complications.