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Association of Heart Rate Variability With Cognitive Performance: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Christopher L Schaich1, Diego Malaver2, Haiying Chen3
1Department of Surgery, Hypertension and Vascular Research Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston-Salem NC.
Insights
Higher heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic function, is linked to better cognitive performance in aging adults. This includes global cognition, processing speed, and working memory, underscoring the importance of autonomic health for brain function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Heart rate variability (HRV) is recognized for its association with vascular risk factors for dementia.
- However, the specific relationship between HRV and distinct cognitive performance domains remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between heart rate variability (HRV) and cognitive performance in specific domains.
- To examine the relationship between HRV metrics and global cognition, processing speed, and working memory.
Main Methods:
- The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis cohort (N=3018) assessed 10-second HRV using SDNN and RMSSD at two time points (Exam 1 and Exam 5).
- Cognitive function was evaluated using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument, Digit Symbol Coding, and Digit Span tests at Exam 5.
- Regression analyses were performed to determine the association between HRV and cognitive scores, adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- Higher HRV (SDNN) at both Exam 1 and Exam 5 was associated with better global cognitive performance (Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument).
- Elevated HRV (SDNN and RMSSD) correlated with improved processing speed (Digit Symbol Coding).
- Higher HRV (SDNN) at Exam 5 was linked to better working memory (Digit Span).
Conclusions:
- Increased heart rate variability is generally associated with enhanced cognitive performance across multiple domains in a multi-ethnic cohort of aging adults.
- The findings suggest a significant role for autonomic function in maintaining cognitive health.
- Further research into the interplay between autonomic function and cognition is warranted.
Abstract:
Background Heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with vascular risk factors for dementia, but whether HRV is associated with specific domains of cognitive performance is unclear. Methods and Results In the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (N=3018; mean age 59.3±9.2 years), we assessed the relationship of 10-second HRV to scores on tests of global cognitive performance (Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument), processing speed (Digit Symbol Coding), and working memory (Digit Span). HRV was computed as the SD of normal-normal intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) at Exam 1 (2000-2002) and Exam 5 (2010-2012). Cognitive tests were administered at Exam 5. We report regression coefficients (β [95% CI]) representing cognitive test score change per 2-fold increase in HRV. After adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, sex, education, apolipoprotein E genotype, and cardiovascular risk factors and incident disease, higher Exam 1 (β=0.37 [0.06, 0.67]) and Exam 5 (β=0.31 [0.04, 0.59]) SDNN were associated with better Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument performance. Higher Exam 1 (β=0.80 [0.17, 1.43]) and Exam 5 (β=0.63 [0.06, 1.20]) SDNN, and Exam 5 RMSSD (β=0.54 [0.01, 1.08]) were associated with better Digit Symbol Coding performance. Finally, higher Exam 5 SDNN was associated with better Digit Span performance (β=0.17 [0.01, 0.33]). Associations were attenuated after adjustment for resting heart rate. Conclusions Higher HRV is generally associated with better cognitive performance in this multi-ethnic cohort of aging adults, and further study of the relationship of autonomic function to cognition is warranted.
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