Abstract
Aim: Assess upper and lower limb functions in elderly with heart failure (HF) and evaluate its relation to HF severity. Methods: Handgrip strength (HGS) in kilograms (kgs.) of both hands using handle mechanical dynamometer and counting the repetitions (rep.) of stand and sit on a chair during 30 seconds [the 30 seconds chair-stand test (CST)] were used in 71 elderly (≥65 years old) patients with clinically stable HF and other matched 32 healthy elderly as a control. HF was diagnosed clinically, by plasma B-Type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and by echocardiography. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification of HF was used to obtain two groups: NYHA class I-II (33 patients), and NYHA class III (38 patients). Results: Showed significant decrease in both HGS and CST score in all HF patients (9.7 ± 4.4 kgs., 8.8 ± 3.1 rep., respectively) compared to controls (77.8 ± 11 kgs., 13.5 ± 1.1 rep., respectively, p Conclusion: Upper and lower limb muscles strength, assessed by two easy andinexpensive tests (HGS and CST), may reflect clinical severity of HF in elderly patients who cannot usually perform exercise tests. Its prognostic value requires further follow-up studies to verify.
Highlights
Worldwide, congestive heart failure (CHF) is a growing public health problem, mainly because of an aging population
The study included 103 participants: 32 healthy persons as a control and 71 patients with stable CHF; of them 13 (18.3%) patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I, 20 (28.2%) patients were in NYHA class II, and 38 (53.5%) patients were in NYHA class III
There was significant decrement in hand grip strength (HGS) and chair standing test (CST) scores in all patients with CHF compared to controls and in patients with NYHA class III compared to NYHA class I-II patients
Summary
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a growing public health problem, mainly because of an aging population. Strong hands is a sign of health elsewhere, so handgrip strength is a good marker of overall muscle strength and a predictor of clinical severity in diseased and other elderly people [3]. It is readily available bedside test, performed, not affected by inflammation or the hydration state [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
