Role of arterial stiffness in the association between hand grip strength and cardiovascular events: the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study

Background: Hand grip strength (HGS) has been associated with cardiovascular events. However, the exact mechanism responsible for the inverse association between HGS and cardiovascular events has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess whether arterial stiffness mediates this association. Methods: We studied 1508 participants (age; 60 ± 5, men; 47.5%) from the Ansan cohort of the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study. Participants were assessed for various parameters of arterial stiffness as well as HGS. The augmentation index (AIx) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were evaluated by using an applanation tonometer and automated waveform analyzer, respectively. Carotid intima medial thickness (IMT) was measured by B-mode ultrasonogram with a 7.5-MHz linear array transducer. HGS was evaluated using a Jamar dynamometer. Results: With increased grip strength, AIx decreased (r = 0.437, P 
Source: Journal of Hypertension - Category: Cardiology Tags: ORIGINAL PAPERS: Organ damage Source Type: research