Archive · 30 May 2025
Grip Strength Could Be a Sign of Heart Health
Doctors often look at blood pressure to check your heart, but grip strength might also be a clue.
A study of many people found that the weaker someone's grip, the more likely they were to have heart problems.
Grip strength shows how strong your muscles are, and strong muscles mean a healthy body.
If your grip isn't strong, you can make it better by exercising and lifting weights.
It's a simple way to keep an eye on your heart health: the stronger your grip, the better your heart might be!
Grip strength may indicate heart health.
A study of 140,000 people linked lower grip strength with increased risk of death.
Weaker grip strength may be a predictor of heart disease risk.
Grip strength reflects overall muscle strength and body function.
Grip strength can be improved through strength training.
- Who
- Individuals interested in heart health
- What
- Grip strength may reveal heart health and predict risks such as heart attack and stroke.
- When
- N/A
- Where
- Worldwide, as the PURE study included participants from 17 countries.
- Why
- Stronger grip strength is linked to overall muscle strength and better bodily function, which contribute to heart health. Weak grip strength may indicate increased health risks.
- Key Finding
- May indicate overall heart health.
- Study Participants
- 140,000
- Increased risk of death for every 11-pound drop in grip strength
- 16%
- Increased risk of dying from heart problems
- 17%
- Increased risk of stroke
- 9%
- Increased risk of heart attack
- 7%
- Ways to improve grip strength
- Exercise and Strength Training