Short-term effects of remote ischemic conditioning on vascular function in patients with cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Abstract

<h4>Objective</h4>The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to compare the short-term (≤1 month) effects of remote ischemic conditioning versus sham remote ischemic conditioning on vascular function in patients with cardiovascular diseases.<h4>Methods</h4>A systematic review was conducted to identify relevant studies through six healthcare science databases up to March 2025. Arterial stiffness and endothelial function were defined as the primary outcome. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effect model. Also, GRADE Pro software was used to evaluate the quality of evidence.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 7 randomized clinical trials with 603 patients with cardiovascular diseases were included in the systematic review. Also, we included 5 studies in the meta-analysis. Compared with sham remote ischemic conditioning or control, short-term remote ischemic conditioning resulted in enhanced endothelial function (MD=4.22% [95%CI=1.75; 6.69]; p=0.0008; I2=0%) without any changes in arterial stiffness, (MD=-0.05 m/s [95%CI =-0.77, 0.67]; p=0.89; I2=89%).<h4>Conclusion</h4>This systematic review and meta-analysis found that short-term remote ischemic conditioning was associated with improvements in endothelial function compared with sham remote ischemic conditioning or control in cardiovascular patients, without any impact on arterial stiffness.<h4>Prospero database registration</h4>ID CRD42021234702.