[Cognitive impairment in patients with coronary disease: relationship with clinical variables]

Coronary disease has been associated with cognitive disorders. We studied the presence of dysexecutive mild cognitive impairment in patients scheduled for coronary surgery.

The executive function of 35 patients was evaluated (Trail Making Test). They were classified into 2 groups: normal performance or cognitive impairment, and we assessed the relationship with others variables (Mann-Whitney, chi-square and multiple regression analysis).

The dysexecutive cognitive impairment group (n=7; 20%) showed greater degree of angina (odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.1-2.6; P=.04), 3-vessels coronary artery disease (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.08-3.6; P=.04) and body mass index (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.16-3.65; P=.03) and lower diastolic blood pressure (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.2-2.98; P=.02), hemoglobin (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.18-4.05; P=.02) and hematocrit (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.67-3.99; P<.001); these variables proved to be significant in the test performance considered as a dependent variable (R(2)=0.62).

We found a significant prevalence of dysexecutive mild cognitive impairment, which was associated with cardiovascular risk factors. We recommend assessment and monitoring of cognitive performance for probable neurological complications after cardiac surgery.