A large analysis of approximately 2.3 million participants looked at the link between muscle health and heart health in older adults. The study specifically looked at sarcopenia, which is a condition involving low muscle mass and low grip strength.
Researchers found that people with sarcopenia had a higher risk of experiencing cardiovascular events, such as heart disease and stroke. Specifically, those with low grip strength showed a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to those with stronger grip. The data also showed that low muscle mass was linked to a higher risk of heart issues.
It is important to note that this study shows a link between muscle loss and heart problems, but it does not prove that muscle loss causes heart disease. Because the study used different ways to define muscle loss across different groups, the results should be viewed as a starting point. These findings suggest that muscle strength may be a useful marker for identifying people who might need extra heart health support.
