Cognitive decline after invasive intervention in cardiovascular disease: is it drug related?

To identify drugs used to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD) after an invasive intervention that may adversely affect cognitive function.

Ambulatory care setting.

A pharmacy faculty member serves as an ambulatory care preceptor for students at a cardiac rehabilitation and wellness center on the campus of St. Joseph's Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia. Pharmacy services include patient case reviews, consultations, patient education, and therapeutic recommendations.

As part of the advanced practice experience, students are responsible for monitoring drug therapy regimens and conducting medication reconciliations. A literature review of primary sources and education databases was conducted to report cognitive adverse drug reactions associated with cardiac drugs in selective electronic tertiary sources.

Documentation of cognitive dysfunction associated with drugs used to treat CVD.

Drugs used to treat CVD may be associated with adverse drug effects including short-term memory loss, amnesia, confusion, decreased mental acuity, and impaired concentration.

Pharmacists providing consultation in the cardiac rehabilitation setting can provide insight into medications that can contribute to cognitive dysfunction.