Cognitive impairment in heart failure with Cheyne-Stokes respiration

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) is associated with cognitive dysfunction.
• Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) during sleep is a common comorbidity in HF.
• The relationship between cognitive impairment, CSR, and HF requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess cognitive impairment in stable heart failure patients.
• To determine if Cheyne-Stokes respiration during sleep correlates with cognitive deficits in HF.
• To explore the impact of left ventricular function on cognition in HF.

Main Methods:

• 104 HF patients and 21 healthy controls underwent overnight oximetry and neuropsychological testing.
• Cheyne-Stokes respiration was screened using validated overnight oximetry.
• Cognitive function was evaluated using vigilance tests and the Steer Clear simulator.

Main Results:

• Heart failure patients exhibited significantly impaired vigilance compared to controls.
• Reaction times were slower, and obstacle avoidance was poorer in HF patients.
• Cognitive impairment in HF was not associated with CSR, left ventricular dysfunction, or nocturnal oxygenation levels.

Conclusions:

• Vigilance deficits are present in stable heart failure but not directly linked to Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
• Impaired vigilance, particularly on driving simulators, raises concerns about fitness to drive in HF patients.
• Further research is needed to address driving safety concerns in individuals with heart failure.