Brain functional alteration and cognitive performance in cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review of fMRI studies.

Background: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a useful tool to evaluate brain inefficiencies secondary to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); nevertheless, limited fMRI studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of CVDs on brain functional changes and cognitive function. This systematic review aims to explore, synthesise, and report fMRI outcomes (resting state and task-based) and cognitive performance in patients with CVDs.

Methods: Two reviewers independently searched published literature until April 2024 on ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.

Effect of mindfulness-based meditation on blood pressure among adults with elevated blood pressure and hypertension: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Hypertension is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disorders globally. There has been a recent upsurge in non-pharmacological management involving mindfulness-based meditation (MBM) in lowering blood pressure (BP) among the hypertensive population; however, the level of supportive evidence among patients primarily diagnosed with hypertension remain limited. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of MBM on BP explicitly in adults primarily diagnosed with elevated blood pressure or hypertension.

Effect of mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety, depression, and stress in patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Adopting lifestyle interventions is pivotal in coronary artery disease (CAD) management and prevention to amplify cardiovascular and mental well-being. This study aims to quantify the effect of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on anxiety, depression and stress in CAD patients.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted by searching four electronic databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Science Direct) through December 2023.

Relationship between carotid intima-media thickness and white matter hyperintensities in non-stroke adults: a systematic review.

Introduction: Literature suggests a common pathophysiological ground between carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) and white matter alterations in the brain. However, the association between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) has not been conclusively reported. The current systematic review explores and reports the relationship between CIMT and WMH among asymptomatic/non-stroke adults.

Systematic review of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging T1 and T2 mapping in patients with Takotsubo syndrome.

Background: Current imaging advancements quantify the use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) derived T1 and T2 tissue characterization as robust indicators for cardiomyopathies, but limited literature exists on its clinical application in Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). This systematic review evaluated the T1 and T2 parametric mapping to delineate the current diagnostic and prognostic CMR imaging outcomes in TTS.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search until October 2023 was performed on ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library by two independent reviewers adhering to the PRISMA framework.

Determinants and predictors of mental health during and after COVID-19 lockdown among university students in Malaysia.

Background: Young adults, particularly university students might be at greater risk of developing psychological distress, and exhibiting symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary objective of this study was to explore and compare the determinants and predictors of mental health (anxiety and depression) during and after the COVID-19 lockdown among university students.

Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study with a sample size of 417 students.

Effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training and Continuous Moderate-Intensity Training on Blood Pressure in Physically Inactive Pre-Hypertensive Young Adults.

The likelihood of pre-hypertensive young adults developing hypertension has been steadily increasing in recent years. Despite the fact that aerobic exercise training (AET) has demonstrated positive results in lowering high blood pressure, the efficacy of different types of AET among pre-hypertensive young adults has not been well-established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and continuous moderate-intensity training (CMT) on the blood pressure (BP) of physically inactive pre-hypertensive young adults.

Relaxing music reduces blood pressure and heart rate among pre-hypertensive young adults: A randomized control trial.

Prevalence of pre-hypertension is higher among young adults and may increase the risk for hypertension and cardiovascular morbidity. Music therapy has been investigated to reduce the blood pressure in the hypertensive population; however, its efficacy on blood pressure in pre-hypertensive young adults is not known. Thirty pre-hypertensive (systolic blood pressure [SBP] = 120-139 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] = 80-89 mmHg) young adults were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups.

Prevalence of tobacco use and perceptions of student health professionals about cessation training: results from Global Health Professions Students Survey.

Introduction: Health professionals play an important role in providing advice to their patients about tobacco prevention and cessation. Health professionals who use tobacco may be deterred from providing cessation advice and counselling to their patients. We aimed to provide prevalence estimates of tobacco use among student health professionals and describe their attitudes towards tobacco cessation training.

Smoking and smokeless tobacco use in nine South and Southeast Asian countries: prevalence estimates and social determinants from Demographic and Health Surveys.

Background: In South and Southeast Asian countries, tobacco is consumed in diverse forms, and smoking among women is very low. We aimed to provide national estimates of prevalence and social determinants of smoking and smokeless tobacco use among men and women separately.

Methods: Data from Demographic and Health Surveys completed in nine countries (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Timor Leste) were analyzed.