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Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Expert Opinion-Cognitive Decline in Heart Failure: More Attention is Needed
Jelena Čelutkienė1, Arūnas Vaitkevičius2, Silvija Jakštienė3
1Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
Insights
Cognitive decline affects up to 80% of heart failure patients, particularly during acute decompensation. Early screening for cognitive dysfunction is crucial for managing heart failure outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Cognitive decline is common in heart failure (HF) patients, impacting prognosis.
- Prevalence reaches 80% in acute decompensation, linked to HF severity.
- Hypertension, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and poor hemodynamics are key contributors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence and contributing factors of cognitive decline in heart failure.
- To explore the pathophysiological mechanisms linking HF and cognitive impairment.
- To highlight neuroimaging findings and affected cognitive domains.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on cognitive function in heart failure patients.
- Analysis of etiological factors, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions.
- Examination of neuroimaging findings and clinical assessments.
Main Results:
- Heart failure is associated with significant cognitive dysfunction, especially in acute decompensation.
- Pathogenic links include cerebral hypoperfusion, blood-brain barrier disruption, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- Neuroimaging often reveals white matter changes, infarcts, and brain volume loss.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive decline is a critical issue in heart failure management.
- Understanding the underlying mechanisms is essential for targeted interventions.
- Routine cognitive screening in HF patients is recommended for improved clinical care.
Abstract:
Cognitive decline is a prevalent condition and independent prognostic marker of unfavourable outcomes in patients with heart failure. The highest prevalence, up to 80 %, is reported in patients hospitalised due to acute decompensation. Numerous factors contribute to cognitive dysfunction in heart failure patients, with hypertension, atrial fibrillation, stroke and impaired haemodynamics being the most relevant. Cerebral hypoperfusion, disruption of blood-brain barrier, oxidative damage and brain-derived cytokines are pathogenic links between heart failure and alteration of cognitive functioning. White matter hyperintensities, lacunar infarcts and generalised volume loss are common features revealed by neuroimaging. Typically affected cognitive domains are presented. Assessment of cognitive functioning, even by simple screening tests, should be part of routine clinical examination of heart failure patients.
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