Comparison of Hand Grip Strength in Hypertensive and Non-Hypertensive Middle-Aged People

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, affecting millions globally. Previous studies have suggested an inverse relationship between hand grip strength (HGS) and hypertension, indicating the potential of HGS as a non-invasive marker for cardiovascular health. However, research exploring this relationship within the middle-aged population of Pakistan remains limited. Objective: This study aims to compare hand grip strength between hypertensive and non-hypertensive middle-aged individuals and to assess the potential of HGS as a predictive marker for hypertension. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, from August 2022 to February 2023, involving 220 participants (110 hypertensive and 110 non-hypertensive), aged 35-45 years, at PSRD and Jinnah Hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. Hand grip strength was measured using a CAMRY digital dynamometer, and blood pressure was assessed with a Certeza sphygmomanometer. Participants were excluded if they had wrist joint problems, neurological disorders, a history of frozen shoulders, limb fractures, cognitive impairments, diabetes, or were pregnant. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing independent sample t-tests with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 39.81±3.16 years. Hypertensive individuals showed significantly lower hand grip strength compared to non-hypertensive individuals, with mean dominant HGS at 34.10±8.75 kg for hypertensives and 39.40±7.37 kg for non-hypertensives. Non-dominant HGS followed a similar pattern, with hypertensives at 31.87±8.75 kg and non-hypertensives at 36.97±7.57 kg. Additionally, a higher proportion of males was observed in the hypertensive group compared to the non-hypertensive group. Conclusion: The study found a significant association between lower hand grip strength and hypertension among middle-aged individuals, supporting the potential of HGS as a screening tool for hypertension risk. This finding underscores the importance of incorporating hand grip strength assessment into routine health evaluations to identify individuals at higher risk of hypertension.