Adequate muscular strength may help to reduce mortality risk in those with an elevated gamma gap

Abstract

BackgroundAn elevated (≥3.1g/dl) gamma gap (Total Protein (g/dl)−Albumin (g/dl)) is associated with increased heart failure risk and an increased mortality risk. Adequate muscular strength is associated with reduced mortality risk, but the potential protective effects of muscular strength on mortality among those with an elevated gamma gap has yet to be investigated, which was this study's purpose. MethodsData from the 1999–2002 NHANES were utilized, with follow-up through 2011. Lower extremity strength was objectively-measured via a knee extensor test. Gamma gap was measured from a blood sample. 2776 participants (50–85yrs) constituted the analytic sample. ResultsAfter adjustments, and among those with an elevated gamma gap, a 50N increase in lower extremity strength was associated with a 27% reduced risk of all-cause mortality (HRadjusted=0.73; 95% CI: 0.65–0.82; P<0.001). ConclusionsHaving adequate lower extremity strength in middle-age and older adult years may be of critical importance in reducing mortality risk, particularly among those with an elevated gamma gap.