Powerless handshake study shows an increased heart attack risk

The handshake reveals a lot about a man. This is also true in terms of health, according to a recent Canadian study. A weak handshake stands the investigations of the research team around Dr. med. According to Darryl Leong from the McMaster University Population Health Research Institute in Hamilton, "there is an increased risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality".

Grip strength in handshakes, according to the Canadian scientists, is a very reliable indicator of the risk of fatal cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. In particular, the risk of a heart attack or stroke is according to the researchers in connection with a declining grip strength. The measurement of gripping force can provide important information for the identification of high-risk patients and early diagnosis. The scientists have published the results of their study in the renowned specialist journal "The Lancet".

Handshake of 140,000 people examined
For their study, the scientists used the data from about 140,000 participants from the so-called PURE study. The subjects came from 17 different countries, their ages were between 35 and 70 years. Over a period of four years, the researchers observed the health status of the study participants. The gripping force was measured by means of a so-called "Jamar Dynamometer". The researchers then looked at possible relationships between grip strength and overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality, non-cardiovascular mortality, and the risk of heart attack, stroke, pneumonia or other respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma or tuberculosis.

Mortality significantly increased with decreasing grip
The scientists observed a clear correlation between the strength of the handshake and the overall mortality. For every five kilograms of reduction in grip, overall mortality has risen by 16.95 percent, write Leong and colleagues. The risk of heart attack was an increase of seven percent per five kg grip force reduction detectable and the risk of stroke increased by nine percent, the researchers continue. There were no significant correlations with regard to the risk of diabetes and the risk of hospitalization due to pneumonia or COPD. "Overall, grip strength was a stronger predictor of overall mortality and cardiovascular mortality than systolic blood pressure," the Canadian research team concluded. The results would also be consistent with other factors, such as tobacco and alcohol consumption or education levels.

Handshake test for risk assessment?
The researchers conclude that "measuring gripping force enables a simple, inexpensive assessment of the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack or stroke". Now, "further research is needed to investigate the relationship between declining muscle strength in handshakes and the various diseases," and to review "whether improving grip strength reduces mortality and cardiovascular disease." (Fp)