Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

A Surgical Model of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Tibetan Minipigs
07:09

A Surgical Model of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Tibetan Minipigs

Published on: February 18, 2022

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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Abstract

Keywords:
cognitionepidemiologyheart failure

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations01:26

Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions01:30

Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions

The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...