MightyMitts
Grip Strength & Heart Health
Heart health refers to the overall condition and function of your cardiovascular system, which includes your heart, blood vessels, and blood. It encompasses several key aspects:
Healthy Heart Function:
Efficient pumping:
Your heart should be able to pump blood effectively to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your body's tissues and organs.
Regular rhythm:
Your heart should beat in a regular rhythm, without any abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmias.
Healthy heart structure:
The structure of your heart, including its valves and chambers, should be normal and free from any defects or abnormalities.
Healthy Blood Vessels:
Clear and flexible arteries:
Your arteries should be free from blockages (plaque buildup) and flexible enough to allow for proper blood flow.
Healthy blood pressure:
Your blood pressure should be within a healthy range to avoid strain on your heart and blood vessels.
Healthy Blood:
Healthy cholesterol levels:
Maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol can help prevent plaque buildup in your arteries.
Normal blood sugar levels:
Keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range can reduce the risk of damage to your blood vessels.
What is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.
CVD encompasses a range of conditions, including:
CVD encompasses a range of conditions, including:
Coronary artery disease (CAD):
This is the most common type. It occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked, potentially leading to angina (chest pain) and heart attacks.
Stroke:
A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, causing brain damage. This can lead to physical disabilities, speech problems, and memory loss.
Heart failure:
This condition occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs and ankles.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD):
PAD affects the blood vessels supplying the limbs, causing pain and cramping, especially during exercise.
Aortic disease:
This involves problems with the aorta, the large blood vessel carrying blood from the heart. Aneurysms (bulges) and dissections (tears) are examples of aortic disease.
Arrhythmias:
These are irregular heart rhythms that can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide.Â
Prevalence:
Globally:
Over 523 million people were living with CVDs in 2019. This number is projected to increase to over 650 million by 2030.
United States:
An estimated 121.5 million adults (47% of the population) have some form of cardiovascular disease. (Source: CDC, 2023)
United Kingdom:
7.6 million people are living with a heart or circulatory condition.
Europe:
More than 60 million people are living with
Further Information
Grip Strength: A Surprising Indicator of Heart Health
While it may seem unusual, the strength of your handgrip can provide valuable insights into your cardiovascular well-being.
A 2018 study from Queen Mary University of London published in the International Journal of Cardiology examined data from nearly 5,000 participants in the UK Biobank and discovered a fascinating link between grip strength and heart function.
A 2018 study from Queen Mary University of London published in the International Journal of Cardiology examined data from nearly 5,000 participants in the UK Biobank and discovered a fascinating link between grip strength and heart function.
Why Grip Strength Matters for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Stronger heart muscle:
Good grip strength is often an indicator of overall muscle fitness, including the heart. A stronger heart pumps blood more efficiently, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Improved vascular health:
Grip strength may be linked to healthier blood vessels, which are crucial for efficient blood flow and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke
Reduced inflammation:
Studies suggest grip strength may be associated with lower levels of inflammation, a key contributor to cardiovascular disease.
Early Warning Sign:
Changes in grip strength could be an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular issues. A decline in grip strength might indicate a need for further assessment of heart health.
Key Findings:
So, while it might seem like a small thing, paying attention to your grip strength can actually be a big step towards preventing falls and keeping your bones strong and healthy. If you have any concerns about your grip strength or your risk of falls, talk to your doctor. They can help you find ways to stay strong and steady on your feet!
Enhanced Cardiac Output:
Individuals with greater grip strength demonstrated a higher volume of blood pumped with each heartbeat, signifying a more efficient and healthier heart. This suggests that the heart muscle is stronger and capable of delivering oxygenated blood effectively throughout the body.
Reduced Cardiac Remodeling:
Stronger grips were associated with less remodeling of the heart muscle. Remodeling is a process where the heart changes its structure in response to stressors like high blood pressure, for example. This can lead to an enlarged and less efficient heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Less remodeling indicates a lower likelihood of such complications.
Possible Explanations for the Link:
Vascular Health:
Grip strength may serve as an indicator of overall vascular health. A stronger grip could reflect healthier blood vessels, crucial for efficient blood circulation, including to the heart muscle itself. This aligns with previous research linking grip strength to arterial stiffness and blood pressure.
Physical Activity:
People with greater grip strength may be more physically active, and regular exercise is known to improve cardiovascular health.
Shared Risk Factors:
Underlying factors that negatively impact heart health, such as inflammation or poor nutrition, might also contribute to reduced muscle strength and grip.
Grip strength, waist size, and the risk of heart problems
Researchers also looked at the link between grip strength, waist size, and the risk of heart problems over a 10-year period. Here's what they found:
Stronger grip, healthier heart:
For every unit increase in grip strength, the risk of heart problems went down. This shows that having a strong grip is good for your heart health.
Healthy waistline matters too:
People with a healthier waist-to-height ratio also had a lower risk of heart problems. This makes sense, as carrying extra weight, especially around your middle, can be hard on your heart.
How MightyMitts can help with Heart Health
The MightyMitts Health Kit can also contribute to better heart health:
Targeted Exercise:
The 12-week exercise program includes aerobic and strength-training exercises that can improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, and help maintain a healthy weight.
Nutritional Support:
The nutrition guide provides information on heart-healthy eating habits, such as reducing saturated and trans fats, and increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Healthy Recipes:
The recipe book includes heart-healthy recipes.
Take control of your heart health with the MightyMitts Health Kit!
Our Health kit includes:
Dynamometer:
The digital dynamometer allows you to accurately measure your grip strength and track your progress over time.
Hand grip strengtheners:
Build strength in your hands and forearms.
Resistance bands:
Versatile bands for a full-body workout, improving strength and flexibility.
Yoga mat:
A comfortable and supportive mat for various exercises, from stretching to strength training.
Stainless steel water bottle:
Stay hydrated throughout the day with this durable and eco-friendly bottle.
12-week exercise program:
developed by licensed physiotherapists, guides you through evidence based exercises that improve grip, strength, balance, and mobility. This program includes exercises to support cardiovascular health and fitness..
Nutrition Guide:
To learn about healthy eating for heart health.
Recipe Book:
Delicious and nutritious recipes to support your journey to a healthier heart.
Additional Benefits of the MightyMitts Health Kit:
Our Health kit includes:
Increased Strength and Balance:
Improve your grip strength, overall muscle mass, and balance to reduce your risk of falls and injuries.
Enhanced Mobility:
Maintain your independence and ability to perform daily tasks with ease.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases:
Lower your risk of age-related health issues, including cognitive decline and osteoporosis
Improved Quality of Life:
Enjoy greater energy, vitality, and confidence in your physical abilities.
One Squeeze at a time, a World of Difference!
Order your MightyMitts Health kit today and start your journey to a healthier heart and a stronger you!
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Heart Disease Facts.
National Health Service. (n.d.). Cardiovascular disease.
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
World Heart Federation. (n.d.). Cardiovascular disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Heart Disease Facts.
British Heart Foundation. (n.d.). Heart and circulatory diseases statistics.
EACH European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health
Richards, H., Celis-Morales, C., Lyall, D. M., et al. (2018). Grip strength and cardiovascular phenotype: Insights from the UK Biobank. International Journal of Cardiology, 267, 117-122.
Leong, D. P., Teo, K. K., McQueen, M. J., et al. (2015). Prognostic value of grip strength: findings from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. The Lancet,2 386(9990), 266–273.
National Health Service. (n.d.). Cardiovascular disease.
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
World Heart Federation. (n.d.). Cardiovascular disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Heart Disease Facts.
British Heart Foundation. (n.d.). Heart and circulatory diseases statistics.
EACH European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health
Richards, H., Celis-Morales, C., Lyall, D. M., et al. (2018). Grip strength and cardiovascular phenotype: Insights from the UK Biobank. International Journal of Cardiology, 267, 117-122.
Leong, D. P., Teo, K. K., McQueen, M. J., et al. (2015). Prognostic value of grip strength: findings from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. The Lancet,2 386(9990), 266–273.
Shibata, A., Otsuka, T., Ishikawa, M., et al. (2015). Grip strength is associated with inflammatory markers in middle-aged and older Japanese adults: the JAGES. Journal of Epidemiology, 25(10), 723–730.
Konstam, M. A., Kramer, D. G., Patel, A. R., et al. (2011). Left ventricular remodeling in heart failure: current concepts in clinical significance and assessment. JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging,3 4(1), 98–108.
Laurent, S., Boutouyrie, P., Heagerty, A. M., et al. (2018). Aortic stiffness is an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in hypertensive patients. Hypertension, 37(5), 1236–1241.4
Celis-Morales, C. A., Welsh, P., Lyall, D. M., et al. (2018). Association of grip strength with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality: a prospective cohort study. Heart, 104(2), 128–133.
Wilkins et al., 2017
Konstam, M. A., Kramer, D. G., Patel, A. R., et al. (2011). Left ventricular remodeling in heart failure: current concepts in clinical significance and assessment. JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging,3 4(1), 98–108.
Laurent, S., Boutouyrie, P., Heagerty, A. M., et al. (2018). Aortic stiffness is an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in hypertensive patients. Hypertension, 37(5), 1236–1241.4
Celis-Morales, C. A., Welsh, P., Lyall, D. M., et al. (2018). Association of grip strength with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality: a prospective cohort study. Heart, 104(2), 128–133.
Wilkins et al., 2017