Impact of Hand Grip Strength on Length of Hospital Stay After Cardiac Surgery Among Elderly Patients

Usefulness of Hand Grip Strength as a Predictor of Prolonged Hospital Stay in Elderly Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Hand grip strength has been shown to be a predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in the elderly population. This study aims to investigate whether measurement of hand grip strength could be used as a predictor of prolonged hospital stay after cardiac surgery in elderly patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥70 years
• Undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting or isolated valve surgery or combined coronary and valve procedures
• Being oriented and cooperative enough to understand and comply with the instruction of gripping the hand dynamometer

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <70 years
• Emergent status
• Hemodynamic instability
• Inability to cooperate due to neurocognitive disorder
• Loss of upper extremity motor function of any degree (such as due to previous stroke)
• History of upper extremity amputation of any level