1. Interplay of anxiety, depression, vascular function, and biomarkers in post-myocardial infarction patientsJan Kafol, Borut Jug, Mojca Božič Mijovski, Jure Tršan, Daniel Košuta, Marko Novaković, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background and aims: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality. Depression and anxiety are common in CAD patients and negatively affect quality of life, physical functioning, and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. This study aimed to identify possible associations with clinically relevant parameters, vascular function and blood biomarkers. Methods: Participants were consecutively recruited during cardiac rehabilitation intake visits at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana within 4 months of myocardial infarction (MI). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores were analyzed in relation to endothelial function (assessed with flow-mediated dilation), arterial stiffness, and blood biomarkers (fibrinogen, endocan, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]) in post-MI patients. All vascular and biomarker assessments were performed within 5 days of questionnaire completion and prior to the start of rehabilitation. Results: There were 105 patients included in the study. The median age was 56 years (49–62), and 80.0% of participants were male. Clinically relevant anxiety and depression were present in 29.5% and 21.9% of participants, respectively. Anxiety was significantly associated with younger age, higher body mass index, and increased arterial stiffness, with total HADS scores negatively correlated with age. Endothelial function showed no significant associations with HADS scores. Vital signs showed no significant differences, except for slightly higher systolic blood pressure in those with clinically relevant depression. Fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in participants with anxiety and depression, while endocan and BDNF levels were lower in those with anxiety. Conclusion: Depression and especially anxiety are significantly associated with endothelial function and relevant biomarkers in post-MI patients. However, as HADS is a screening tool and not a diagnostic instrument, and given the study’s observational design, findings reflect associations rather than causality. Routine screening and targeted mental health support within CR programs might improve participation, enhance cardiovascular recovery, and optimize long-term outcomes. These findings underscore the clinical importance of psychological assessment in the early post-MI period and support the integration of mental health evaluation into cardiovascular care.
Ključne besede: anxiety, depression, cardiac rehabilitation, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, pulse-wave velocity, endothelial dysfunction
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.11.2025; Ogledov: 267; Prenosov: 120
 Celotno besedilo (1,14 MB)
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2. Effects of meditation on cardiovascular and muscular responses in patients during cardiac rehabilitation : a randomized pilot studyMaximilian E. Rudlof, Boštjan Šimunič, Bianca Steuber, Till O. Bartel, Ruslan Neshev, Petra Mächler, Andreas Dorr, Rainer Picha, Karin Schimd-Zalaudek, Nandu Goswami, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s number one cause of death, with exceeding psychosocial stress load being considered a major risk factor. A stress management technique that has repeatedly shown positive effects on the cardiovascular system is the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique. The present pilot study aimed to investigate the potential effect of TM on the recovery of cardiac patients. Objectives: We hypothesized that practicing TM in patients undergoing a 4-week cardiac rehabilitation program augments the recovery of cardiovascular parameters and reduces skeletal muscle tone after rehabilitation. Methods: Twenty cardiac patients were recruited and randomly assigned to either the control or the TM group. Cardiovascular parameters were assessed with the Task Force Monitor (TFM) and skeletal muscle contractile properties by Tensiomyography during a sit-stand test, performed at the beginning and end of a 4-week in-patient rehabilitation program. Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly lower after 4 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation, while the RR-interval (RRI) significantly increased. At the skeletal muscle level, the contraction time and maximal displacement increased, though only in the gastrocnemius medialis and biceps femoris muscles and not in vastus lateralis. Group interactions were not observed for hemodynamic parameters nor for muscle contractile properties. Discussion: Although significant improvements in hemodynamic and muscular parameters were observed after 4 weeks of rehabilitation, we could not provide evidence that TM improved rehabilitation after 4 weeks. TM may unfold its effects on the cardiovascular system in the longer term. Hence, future studies should comprise a long-term follow-up.
Ključne besede: cardiovascular diseases, psychosocial stress, transcendental meditation, cardiac rehabilitation, tensiomyography
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 28.10.2022; Ogledov: 1382; Prenosov: 944
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