Health · 25 August 2026
Weak calf muscles linked to higher mortality risk, study finds
Image by gerain0812 on Freepik
Scientists are looking at how well your calf muscles pump blood back to your heart, as new research links poor function to dramatically increased mortality rates. A Mayo Clinic study found a 17.5% mortality risk over ten years for people with impaired calf pump function, compared to 5.9% with normal function. Regularly moving, walking, or doing strength training can keep these 'second heart' muscles healthy.
Reported by BBC Science Focus Magazine · How we write briefs