Abstract
ObjectivesAtherosclerosis has become a leading public health problem. Previous studies suggest that enhanced muscle strength and muscle-derived cytokines (myokines) are linked with atherosclerosis. However, no previous prospective study has examined the relationship between grip strength (GS) and carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) in middle-aged and older adults. We therefore designed a cohort study to investigate the association between GS and the incidence of CAS in a population aged 45 years and over. MethodsThe cohort study (n = 1258; follow-up range: 1–6 years, median: 4.0 years, age range: 45–85 years) was performed from 2013 to 2019 in Tianjin, China. CAS was measured using a carotid artery B-mode ultrasound system and defined by increased carotid intima-media thickness and plaques. GS was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association between quartiles of GS and CAS. ResultsThe incidence of CAS was 122 cases per 1000 person-years. In the final multivariable models, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) [95 % confidence interval (CI)] for CAS across quartiles of weight-adjusted GS (Q1-Q4) were as follows: 1.00 (reference), 0.82 (0.63, 1.06), 0.92 (0.71, 1.19), 0.69 (0.52, 0.91) and the HRs (95 % CI) across quartiles of GS (Q1-Q4) were as follows: 1.00 (reference), 1.06 (0.83, 1.36), 0.78 (0.59, 1.02), 0.76 (0.58, 0.995). For one unit and one standard deviation (SD) increase in weight-adjusted GS, the adjusted HRs (95 % CI) of CAS were 0.16 (0.05, 0.52) and 0.82 (0.72, 0.93), respectively. For one unit and one SD increase in GS, the adjusted HRs (95 % CI) of CAS were 0.98 (0.96, 0.995), and 0.47 (0.26, 0.83), respectively. ConclusionsHigher GS was associated with a lower incidence of carotid atherosclerosis in middle-aged and older adults. Further studies are required to clarify the causality.
Published Version
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