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An extensive review of American Heart Association health records showed that reduced strength and mobility were linked to increased stroke risk. The study identified a clear relationship between worsening physical performance and the chances of experiencing a stroke.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. Doctors have long observed that people with poorer physical function often experience worse health outcomes, yet these measures are not commonly included in standard stroke risk evaluations.
Muscle strength and mass naturally decline with age, but poor physical performance may signal more than just muscle loss. It could also reflect underlying inflammation, metabolic changes and broader health issues that affect the brain and blood vessels.
Researchers analyzed health records from more than 480,000 adults in the UK Biobank with no history of stroke and found that weaker muscles, muscle loss and slower walking speed were all linked to important risk markers for stroke. People who walked slowly were 64% more likely to experience a stroke than faster walkers. Reduced muscle strength was associated with a 30% greater risk of stroke overall, while weak grip strength corresponded to a 7% increase in stroke risk.
Since these physical function measures may reflect the body’s overall aging process, experts say grip strength and walking speed should become a regular part of stroke risk evaluations. Simple physical performance tests could provide doctors with an affordable and practical way to assess cardiovascular risk. The findings may help identify people at greater risk of stroke earlier and support preventive care efforts.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Sarcopenia, Grip Strength, Walking Pace, and New-Onset Stroke Risk: A UK Biobank Study
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