A systematic review of previous MRI studies demonstrating the associations of White Matter Hyperintensity (WMH) in patients with hypertension

Hypertension, a significant health concern associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, has been linked to white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which are indicative of brain damage. However, the extent to which controlling hypertension can prevent WMHs remains uncertain. This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine previous imaging studies investigating the associations between WMHs and hypertension, following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search using relevant keywords was conducted in the PubMed database, resulting in 53 studies that met the inclusion criteria for this review out of 585 initial citations. These studies shed light on the relationship between hypertension and WMHs, as well as the impact of various factors, such as age, genetics, obesity, sedentary behavior, high-salt diets, excessive alcohol consumption, and high blood sugar levels, on the risk of WMHs. These findings underscore the need for further research to determine the precise benefits of hypertension control in preventing WMHs and to establish effective intervention strategies. This systematic review contributes to clinical decision-making and provides valuable insights into the management of hypertension about brain health.