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Cognitive change in heart failure: a systematic review
Alexandra M Hajduk1, Catarina I Kiefe, Sharina D Person
1Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. alexandra.hajduk@umassmed.edu
Circulation. Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes
|July 11, 2013
Summary
Cognitive impairment is common in heart failure (HF). While HF patients may experience cognitive decline over time, cardiac treatments might improve cognitive function, suggesting a modifiable risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive impairment is prevalent in heart failure (HF) patients, increasing hospitalization and mortality risks.
- The longitudinal progression of cognitive changes in HF remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing evidence on longitudinal changes in cognitive function among adult patients with HF.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted for studies from 1980 to 2012.
- Included studies assessed cognitive function at least twice in adult HF patients using validated measures.
- Cognitive changes were analyzed in relation to HF treatments, follow-up duration, and comparison groups.
Main Results:
- Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria.
- Significant cognitive decline was observed in HF patients followed for over one year.
- Cognitive improvements were noted with cardiac interventions (e.g., heart transplantation) and in studies with shorter follow-up (<1 year).
- Self-comparison studies often showed cognitive improvement, while studies with external control groups indicated decline or stability.
Conclusions:
- Heart failure patients face an elevated risk of cognitive decline, which appears modifiable through cardiac treatments.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving cognitive alterations in HF.
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