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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
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Hypertension Severity Is Associated With Impaired Cognitive Performance

Henrique C S Muela1,2, Valeria A Costa-Hong3, Mônica S Yassuda4

  • 1Hypertension Unit, Heart Institute (Incor), University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil henrimuela@hotmail.com.

Journal of the American Heart Association
|January 13, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is linked to cognitive impairment, with more severe stages showing worse cognitive function. Age, hypertension stage, and education predict cognitive decline in hypertensive patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Hypertension (HTN) commonly affects the kidneys and heart, but its impact on cerebrovascular health and cognitive function is less understood.
  • This study investigates cognitive function changes across different hypertension stages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare cognitive performance in normotensive individuals versus patients with different stages of hypertension.
  • To identify predictors of cognitive impairment in hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study comparing 71 normotensive participants with 150 hypertensive patients (divided into HTN stage 1 and HTN stage 2).
  • Cognitive function assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery.
  • Hypertension staging based on blood pressure levels and antihypertensive medication use.

Main Results:

  • Severe hypertension (HTN stage 2) was associated with significantly worse performance on cognitive assessments (MMSE and MoCA) compared to normotension and HTN stage 1.
  • Hypertensive patients exhibited poorer performance in language, processing speed, visuospatial abilities, and memory.
  • Age, hypertension stage, and educational level were identified as key predictors of cognitive impairment.

Conclusions:

  • Cognitive impairment is more prevalent in individuals with hypertension.
  • The severity of hypertension directly correlates with the degree of cognitive impairment.
Abstract

Keywords:
cognitioncognitive impairmenthigh blood pressurehypertension

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