Genetic Factors Supporting Muscle Strength May Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Men

Recent research from the University of Jyväskylä's Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences has provided new insights into the relationship between genetics, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health. The study indicates that men with a genetic predisposition for higher muscle strength face a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases, independent of their leisure-time physical activity or other lifestyle factors.

The study analyzed data from nearly 9,000 participants within the Finnish Twin Cohort, utilizing a polygenic score that combines numerous genetic variants associated with handgrip strength. This score helps compare individuals with varying genetic predispositions for muscle strength, shedding light on its potential impact on health outcomes. Findings showed that a genetic tendency towards greater muscle strength slightly decreased the risk of cardiovascular mortality in men, a connection that persisted even after accounting for factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI). Interestingly, this association was not influenced by levels of leisure-time physical activity.

"The link between inherited physical strength and reduced mortality risk remains consistent regardless of how active an individual is in their free time," explains researcher Päivi Herranen. Moreover, the study revealed that a genetic predisposition to higher muscle strength does not necessarily translate into increased physical activity levels, emphasizing the distinct roles of genetics and lifestyle.

In women, however, the study did not find a significant association between inherited muscle strength and mortality risk, which might be due to biological and environmental differences affecting cardiovascular health.

The research utilized a polygenic score based on hundreds of thousands of genetic variants related to handgrip strength. While the predictive power of this score alone is limited, it holds promise for future integration into personalized health assessments and understanding individual responses to exercise.

The study’s findings contribute to the broader understanding of how genetics influence health and aging. It highlights that inherited muscle strength plays a meaningful role in health outcomes, especially in men, and suggests potential pathways for tailored preventive strategies against cardiovascular diseases.

This work is part of a larger effort to explore how genetic and environmental factors interact to influence biological aging, including muscle deterioration and functional decline with age. The research was awarded the second prize at the Helsinki Sports Medicine Days in 2024 and forms a core part of Päivi Herranen’s doctoral dissertation.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-genetic-predisposition-higher-muscle-strength.html