Arq Bras Cardiol. 2025 Dec 1;122(9):e20240777. doi: 10.36660/abc.20240777. eCollection 2025.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength (HGS) is a key indicator of overall muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with heart failure (HF). However, no reference equations specific to this population have been previously published.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop and validate a reference equation for predicting HGS in patients with HF.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with stable HF, aged 18-79 years, diagnosed for at least three months. Maximum HGS value was obtained from three consecutive measurements. Clinical data and anthropometric assessments were collected. The sample was randomly divided into two-thirds (n=174) for derivation and one third (n=100) for validation. A multivariate regression model was applied to develop the predictive equation, including variables with a p-value < 0.25 as determined by the Wald test.
RESULTS: Derivation and validation samples showed no significant differences at baseline. Patients were predominantly male, older adults, and white. The derived equation was: Predicted HGS = -39.732 + (10.771 * gender [female = 0; male = 1]) - (0.158 * age [years]) + (35.096 * height [m]) + (0.448 * calf circumference [cm]) - (4.224 * the New York Heart Association class [I /II = 0; III/IV = 1]). When applied to the validation sample, the equation underestimated actual HGS by 0.68 ± 8.93 Kg.
CONCLUSION: Age, sex, height, calf circumference, and NYHA class were key determinants of HGS in HF patients. The derived equation showed good predictive accuracy and may serve as a useful reference for interpreting grip strength in this population.
PMID:41379170 | DOI:10.36660/abc.20240777