We often hear about the importance of a firm handshake when it comes to making a good impression at work.
However, it can also reveal a lot about your health, from whether you’re at risk of heart issues to your likelihood of experiencing dementia or depression.
Before COVID-19, individuals switched, and scientists have studied the signals that handshakes show over and above your GBBO baking skills.
So, even though it’s a weak grip or sweaty palms, here’s what to look out for.
Heart problems
According to research by Queen Mary University of London, a weak handshake can be a sign of future heart attacks or strokes.
In a study funded by the British Heart Foundation, scientists studied the grip strength of almost 5,000 individuals, finding that a weaker grip was linked with damaged and enlarged hearts.
Professor Steffen Petersen, who led the research from Queen Mary’s William Harvey Research Institute, said that hand grip strength is an inexpensive, reproducible, and easy-to-implement measure, and could become an easy way of recognizing individuals at high risk of heart disease and preventing major life-changing events, such as heart attacks.
But BHF senior cardiac nurse, Julie Ward, mentioned that it needs to be considered alongside other factors, adding It’s important to keep in mind that this research does not mean you will have a heart attack if you find yourself with a limp handshake or finding it difficult to open a jar.
Early death
One study carried out between 1951 and 1976 showed lower hand-grip strength was significantly connected with higher all-cause mortality, while separate research published in the British Medical Journal found that those who develop a weak hold in midlife have a 20% higher risk of death from heart, respiratory diseases, and cancer.
According to Dr Suhail Hussain, home visiting GP covering Hertfordshire and Greater London, weakening grip strength over time could suggest someone is at risk of ‘heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death, later in life.
However, he warns that sudden loss of grip or movement in one arm or one side of the body is one of the most common symptoms of a stroke and should be referred to A&E immediately.
Depression
Looking at data from over 51,000 individuals aged over 45 to investigate a possible connection between low mood and a weak handshake, scientists claimed in the National Library of Medicine that lower handgrip strength was linked with an increased likelihood of depression. Early assessment ofhandgrip strengthmay identify populations at risk for depression among middle and older adults.
Dr. Adam Staten, clinical director at One Day Tests and NHS GP says that, as hand grip strength weakens when physical health is poor, and physical poor health is a risk factor for depression, some individuals have suggested, and some studies have found, that a weaker hand grip may also mean that someone is at higher risk of depression.
Also, individuals with depression often lose motivation and feel tired so it is not unusual for them to become physically less fit which might manifest itself with a weaker hand grip.
Dementia
Ian Budd, Pharmacist for Chemist4U says that, losing grip strength has been connected to declining cognitive and physical functions, especially in older adults. Conditions like arthritis and dementia are both linked to lower grip strength.
Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, can affect all parts of the body but often the hands are most noticeable.
Hyperhidrosis could be a sign of an overactive sympathetic nervous system. It might also be linked to conditions such as anxiety, stress, or certain medical issues.
Circulatory issues
Chilly hands can sometimes be as a result of a condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon. This is where the blood vessels in the fingers and toes shut down, generally in response to cold, and causes them to become pale and cold, says Dr Adam.
This is really common and usually just a mild irritation but for some individuals it can be very severe and cause issues like ulcers on the fingers.
Occasionally, particularly if Raynaud’s phenomenon starts later in life, it might be connected with a more significant underlying condition such as Rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Muscle conditions
A weak grip might show muscle weakness or conditions affecting muscle strength, such as, rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, says Dr Suhail.
If you’re concerned about gradual differences in your health, it’s important to visit your GP to get it checked out.
Dr Suhail also added that, these signs are not definitive and can differ based on individual factors. When it comes down to it, a handshake can give you a good first impression, but shouldn’t be used to identify someone you’re meeting for the first time
