# The High Prevalence of High Normal Blood Pressure and the Differential Association of Grip Strength Metrics with Hypertension in a National Sample of Chinese College Students

## TL;DR

This study finds that relative grip strength may help identify college students at risk for high blood pressure, regardless of their body weight.

## Contribution

The study introduces relative grip strength as a novel biomarker for hypertension risk in college students.

## Key findings

- Higher absolute grip strength was linked to increased hypertension risk.
- Higher relative grip strength was associated with reduced hypertension risk across all BMI categories.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: The potential of relative grip strength as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk in college students is not well understood. Methods: Blood pressure status and grip strength metrics were analysed with multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models, utilising nationwide cross-sectional data from 42,591 Chinese college students. Results: After adjustment, higher absolute grip strength increased hypertension risk (High-level OR = 2.66; 95% CI: 2.21–3.20). In contrast, higher relative grip strength not only reduced risk overall (High-level OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.36–0.46) but also demonstrated consistent protective effects across all BMI subgroups (e.g., OR = 0.83 in overweight/obese individuals). Conclusions: Relative grip strength may present a valuable biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment and the easy identification of at-risk individuals in all BMI categories.