A handshake is a universal gesture of greeting and is commonly used in various social and professional settings. It is a simple act that involves two people clasping hands and shaking them up and down.

While it may seem like a routine formality, research suggests that a handshake can reveal a lot about a person’s health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the correlations between handshakes and various health indicators.

The Science behind Handshakes

Handshakes have been a part of human interaction for centuries, and they serve a multitude of purposes. Beyond simply conveying greetings, handshakes can communicate trust, respect, and even dominance. But what do handshakes have to do with health?.

It turns out that a handshake can provide valuable insights into a person’s overall health and well-being.

Studies have shown that the strength and quality of a handshake can be an indicator of a person’s muscular strength, cardiovascular health, and even mortality risk.

Handshakes and Muscular Strength

One of the most well-established correlations between handshakes and health is the link between hand grip strength and overall muscular strength.

Numerous studies have found that individuals with a strong handshake tend to have greater muscle mass and overall physical strength.

Hand grip strength has been found to be associated with a range of health outcomes, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, disability, and mortality.

In fact, hand grip strength has been proposed as a useful tool for assessing overall health and predicting future health outcomes.

Handshakes and Cardiovascular Health

Beyond muscular strength, handshakes can also provide insights into a person’s cardiovascular health. Research has shown that a weak handshake can be an indicator of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

A study published in the journal Hypertension found that individuals with a weak handshake were more likely to have higher blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

The researchers suggested that hand grip strength and cardiovascular health are interconnected, and a weak handshake may indicate underlying cardiovascular issues.

Handshakes and Mortality Risk

Perhaps one of the most surprising findings is the correlation between handshakes and mortality risk. Several studies have found that a weak handshake can be a predictor of increased mortality.

A study conducted at the Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit in the UK followed a large cohort of individuals for over a decade and found that those with a weaker handshake had a higher risk of all-cause mortality.

The researchers hypothesized that a weak handshake may be a marker of overall frailty and decreased health.

Understanding the Correlations

The correlations between handshakes and various health indicators can be attributed to several underlying factors. Firstly, the strength of a handshake depends on the person’s muscular strength and overall physical fitness.

A person with greater muscle mass and strength is likely to have a stronger handshake.

Secondly, handshakes involve the coordination of various muscles, including those in the hand, forearm, and upper arm.

The ability to perform a firm handshake requires good neuromuscular control and coordination, which may reflect overall neurological health.

Implications and Applications

The correlations between handshakes and health have sparked interest in using hand grip strength assessments as a simple, non-invasive tool for evaluating overall health.

Some healthcare professionals and researchers have proposed including hand grip strength measurements in routine health check-ups and screenings.

In addition, the findings suggest that maintaining muscular strength and overall physical fitness through exercise and a healthy lifestyle can not only improve handshakes but also have positive impacts on cardiovascular health and overall mortality risk.

Conclusion

A handshake is more than just a formality; it can provide valuable insights into a person’s health. The strength and quality of a handshake have been found to correlate with muscular strength, cardiovascular health, and mortality risk.

While further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these correlations, handshakes offer a simple and non-invasive way to assess and monitor health. So, next time you shake hands with someone, pay attention to the strength and quality of the handshake; it might reveal more than you think.