Handgrip Strength Increases the Pressure in the Portal and Left Gastric Veins in Cirrhotic Patients

1.Background Handgrip strength , a core indicator of muscle function, has been confirmed to be significantly associated with the clinical prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis. However, no studies have explored its correlation with portal venous hemodynamics. 2. Objective The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of Handgrip strength on portal vein and left gastric vein pressure, blood flow velocity and direction in patients with liver cirrhosis.

3. Method: observational study. Detection Timing: Doppler ultrasound was employed to determine the portal flow velocity and direction at baseline and during the handgrip strength test in cirrhotic patients with a history of variceal bleeding. Three days later, prior to TIPS placement, the pressures in the portal pressure and gastric vein pressure were measured both before and after handgrip strength. Furthermore, carvedilol and vasoactive drugs were discontinued three days before the study commenced. 4. Elaboration of the Research Hypothesis 4.1. Core Hypothesis The handgrip strength level in patients with liver cirrhosis is correlated with portal venous system hemodynamic indices. Specifically, enhanced handgrip strength may affect portal hypertension and the hemodynamics of varicose veins by improving systemic muscle function or circulatory status. 4.2. Speculation on potential mechanisms Association between muscle function and circulation: As a representative of systemic muscle function, increased handgrip strength may reflect an increase in cardiac output or changes in splanchnic vascular resistance, thereby influencing portal venous hemodynamics.