Diseases that affect the muscles in the heart are referred to as cardiomyopathy. The name includes a number of conditions, ranging from abnormal heart rhythms to edema, heart failure and endocarditis. According to Medline Plus, infections, high blood pressure and heart attacks can lead to the muscle damage. Exercises, such as hand grip routines, can help to strengthen the heart muscle.
Significance
Measuring grip strength through a number of tests can help to determine the overall physical condition of athletes, including heat functioning. According to APECS, in addition to measuring strength, grip tests can help to determine fatigue levels and nutritional status. Tracking grip strength can set a baseline and indicate an athlete's readiness to perform. It also can measure the immune system's health.
Identification
Grip strength commonly is measured with a spring-loaded handle device or tennis ball. Other tests include pull-ups, rowing and dead lifts, free weight mobilization and pulleys. A hand dynanometer is the most common diagnostic tool used by physicians, especially those treating elderly patients. Reduced grip strength as measured on the device indicates declining health that might be treated with exercises to strengthen the grip, according to The American Senior Fitness Association.
Features
When patients can reach their maximum heart rate by performing various hand grip tests, they typically do not have any heart problems. Patients scoring low on hand grip tests might be sent for additional testing that often reveals weakened heart problems, or cardiomyopathy. According to Myocardial Ischemia Research, a hand grip test can provide a non-invasive, first-line diagnostic tool that can lead to early detection of the disease because the condition often goes undiagnosed until major heart problems arise.
Effects
One of the causes of cardiomyopathy that often goes unnoticed is high blood pressure. According to Harvard Medical School, electronic devices on the market designed to increase grip strength have been shown to decrease blood pressure numbers significantly. The Zone Plus and the CardioGrip can decrease blood pressure when used regularly as much as some blood pressure medications. The hand-held device is squeezed for five seconds and registers a number. It then directs the user through a number of exercises to increase strength. Squeezing a tennis ball or soft stress ball throughout the day can help to increase grip strength. Weightlifting and hand stretches also can increase the amount of strength in the hand and arms to strengthen the heart.
Warning
Lifting heavy weights increases blood pressure and heart rate considerably, so check with your doctor before performing any exercises to increase grip strength. According to the Cleveland Clinic, strenuous weightlifting can place undue stress on the heart and worsen cardiomyopathy. People with weak heart muscles should avoid competitive sports as well because of the serious risks of heart failure.
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