Weak Grip Strength Linked to Heart Disease, Cognitive Decline, Cancer, More

How good is your grip?

Weaker grip strength is linked to higher risks of heart disease, cognitive decline, certain cancers and death.

According to medical experts, grip strength reflects muscle strength, functional ability and overall health.

“When people hear about this, they think, ‘Well, I need to go out and increase my grip strength,’” said Clayton Alexander, M.D., a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at The Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Center at Mercy. “It is not known that increasing your grip strength will make a difference to the things that grip strength predicts in and of itself, but doing a general strength training program, staying in shape, staying healthy and especially doing resistance and strength training is highly recommended.”

Dr. Alexander explained that grip strength is easy to measure. All you need is a dynamometer, a simple device that dates back to the 18th century.

To strengthen your grip, he recommends grabbing a stress ball—or anything solid—and giving it a squeeze. Dr. Alexander also recommends performing a farmer’s carry, a simple exercise in which you hold weights down by your sides and walk around.

View Mercy orthopedic surgeon Dr. Clayton Alexander’s interview regarding women and grip strength health.