Cerebral blood flow impairment and cognitive decline in heart failure

Background and Purpose Cognitive decline is an important contributor to disability in patients with chronic heart failure, affecting 25%-50% of patients. The aim of this review is to stress the importance of understanding pathophysiological mechanisms of heart failure involved in cognitive decline. Methods An extensive PubMed search was conducted for the literature on the basic mechanisms of cerebral blood flow regulation, the effect of cardiac dysfunction on cerebral blood flow, and possible mechanisms underlying the association between cardiac dysfunction and cognitive decline. Results Published literature supports the thesis that cardiac dysfunction leads to cerebral blood flow impairment and predisposes to cognitive decline. One of the postulated mechanisms underlying cognitive decline in chronic heart failure is chronic regional hypoperfusion of critical brain areas. Cognitive function may be further compromised by microvascular damage due to cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, it is implied that cerebral blood flow assessment could enable early recognition of patients at risk and help guide appropriate therapeutic strategies. Conclusion Interdisciplinary knowledge in the fields of neurology and cardiology is essential to clarify heart and brain interconnections in chronic heart failure. Understanding and identifying the basic neuropathophysiological changes in chronic heart failure could help with developing methods for early recognition of patients at risk, followed by institution of therapeutic actions to prevent or decrease cognitive decline.

Automated summary

Cognitive decline is a significant contributor to disability in patients with chronic heart failure, possibly associated with impaired cerebral blood flow due to cardiac dysfunction. Early identification of at-risk patients and implementation of appropriate therapeutic strategies could help prevent or reduce cognitive decline. Interdisciplinary collaboration between neurology and cardiology is crucial for understanding and addressing the complex relationship between heart failure and cognitive function.