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Relationship of reduced cerebral blood flow and heart failure severity in elderly males

Goran Loncar1, Biljana Bozic, Toplica Lepic

  • 1Cardiology Department, Clinical Medical Center Zvezdara, Belgrade, Serbia.

The Aging Male : the Official Journal of the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male
|September 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is reduced in elderly males with chronic heart failure (CHF). This reduction is linked to CHF severity markers like lower ejection fraction and higher adiponectin levels.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Brain complications of chronic heart failure (CHF) are often overlooked.
  • Cerebral hypoperfusion is a potential cause of these brain issues.
  • This study investigates cerebral blood flow (CBF) in relation to CHF severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between CBF and CHF severity.
  • To identify determinants of reduced CBF in CHF patients.
  • To assess cardiac dysfunction parameters and their link to CBF.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-one male CHF patients (NYHA class II-III) and 20 controls (age ≥ 55) were enrolled.
  • CBF was measured using colour duplex sonography of extracranial arteries.
  • Echocardiography, 6-min walk test, quality of life, endothelial function, NT-pro-BNP, adiponectin, and leptin were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Elderly CHF patients exhibited significantly reduced CBF compared to controls (677 vs 783 ml/min).
  • Reduced CBF correlated with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), decreased 6-min walk distance, and poorer quality of life.
  • Higher serum adiponectin and NT-pro-BNP levels were associated with reduced CBF.

Conclusions:

  • Mild-to-moderate CHF in elderly males is associated with reduced CBF.
  • Reduced CBF is linked to CHF severity indicators: decreased LVEF, elevated adiponectin and NT-pro-BNP, impaired physical function, and reduced quality of life.
  • LVEF and adiponectin were independent predictors of reduced CBF in this cohort.
Abstract

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