Relative Handgrip Strength and Incidence of Hypertension: A Case-Cohort Study From Ravansar Non-Communicable Diseases Cohort

Abstract

Background: The present study assessed the association between relative handgrip strength (RHGS) and hypertension incidence in healthy adults. Methods: We performed a case-cohort study on 3784 participants from Ravansar Non-Communicable Diseases cohort study. The absolute HGS was measured using a digital dynamometer. Hypertension was defined as systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg and/or use of antihypertensive medications. Cox regression analysis was utilized to estimate hazard ratios of incident hypertension events with RHGS. Results: Physical activity was significantly higher in the participants with hypertension compared with nonhypertensive participants (P < .001). High-level physical activity in the subjects with lower, middle, and upper RHGS was 19.6%, 33.1%, and 47.3%, respectively (P < .001). RHGS was significantly higher in individuals with greater skeletal muscle mass (P < .001). The men and women with the upper RHGS, had an 80% (hazard ratio: 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.1–0.3) and 70% (hazard ratio: 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.1–1.2), were lower risk of hypertension compared with those with the lower RHGS, respectively. This association remains significant after adjustment for confounding factors in men. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that middle and upper levels of RHGS were associated with a lower risk of hypertension incidence. RHGS may be a protective factor for hypertension. We suggested muscle strengthening exercises.

Muscle quality is negatively related to hypertension prevalence in adults: Results from NHANES 2011–2014

“…Moreover, it is worth mentioning that our negative correlation between muscle quality and hypertension prevalence was further confirmed by subgroup analysis with the uniformity of associations across wide‐ranging groups. Simultaneously, this negative association was supported by previous findings indicating that increased relative HGS (i.e., HGS standardized to BMI or body weight) is related to lower hypertension prevalence, which may be attributed to the fact that the nature of muscle quality is still a kind of relative strength 28–31 . Herein, we can conclude that relative HGS, including muscle quality, presents a more robust and plausible negative association with hypertension risk.…”

“…Simultaneously, this negative association was supported by previous findings indicating that increased relative HGS (i.e., HGS standardized to BMI or body weight) is related to lower hypertension prevalence, which may be attributed to the fact that the nature of muscle quality is still a kind of relative strength. 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 Herein, we can conclude that relative HGS, including muscle quality, presents a more robust and plausible negative association with hypertension risk. So, it is more necessary to explore the minimum and optimal doses of relative HGS rather than those of absolute HGS for reducing the risk of hypertension.…”

Reference Values of Absolute and Relative Handgrip Strength in Chilean Schoolchildren with Intellectual Disabilities

“…Finally, the average of both attempts for each limb was considered the final HGS value for each limb [ 13 ]. Subsequently, once the absolute HGS was recorded, the relative HGS (HGS (kg)/body weight (kg)) was calculated [ 36 , 37 ].…”