Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome · Published 2026-07-14 · DOI 10.7570/jomes25061
Eugene Han, Yong-ho Lee, Sang Hoon Ahn, Hye Won Lee, Mi Na Kim, Jae Seung Lee, Byung-Wan Lee, Eun Seok Kang, Bong-Soo Cha, Seung Up Kim
Background : We aimed to investigate the influence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and handgrip strength (HGS) on the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population. Methods : We used data from 20,611 individuals from the 2014-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. MASLD was defined as a Framingham steatosis index of ≥23. Low HGS was defined as <28 kg in men and <18 kg in women. The 10-year ASCVD risk score was assessed, and high-probability ASCVD was defined as >10%. Results : Individuals with both MASLD and low HGS had a greater risk of high-probability ASCVD (odds ratio [OR], 6.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.81 to 6.97; P<0.001) than those without MASLD and with intact HGS. The association between low HGS and high-probability ASCVD was stronger when MASLD was accompanied by advanced liver fibrosis (OR, 20.94; 95% CI, 20.04 to 21.88; P<0.001). In the population with MASLD, ASCVD risk was lower in individuals with low HGS who engaged in regular exercise than in those without low HGS who did not exercise regularly (P<0.001). Conclusion : Individuals with MASLD and low HGS had a significantly higher risk of ASCVD than those without MASLD. Concurrent advanced liver fibrosis was further associated with increased ASCVD risk among individuals with MASLD.
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Han, E., Lee, Y., Ahn, S., et al. (2026). Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Low Handgrip Strength Are Associated with a Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease. Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome. https://doi.org/10.7570/jomes25061