Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction is associated with reduced brain structure and function

Background: Subclinical left ventricle (LV) dysfunction has been associated with early cognitive impairment; however findings are inconsistent. We investigated the association between LV function and both functional and structural measures of thebrain. Methods: A community-based sample 1207 individuals (69±6 yrs) underwent echocardiography and cognitive function assessment using the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia score (CSID).Hippocampal volume was measured by MRI. Fast-ing bloods including NT-pro BNP levels were measured. Measures of LV systolic and diastolic function included peak shortening velocity in systole (s’), and LA diameter (indexed to height2.7(LADI)). Results: After adjusting for age, sex and ethnicity, hippocampal volume was associated with all measures of LV function (Table 1: Model 1). CSID was significantly associated with diastolic but not systolic function. After further adjusting for diabetes, stroke, education and hypertension all significant associations remained (Table 1: Model 2). Conclusion: In a community-based sample of older people, measures of LV function were associated with functional and structural measures of cognitive impairment. These associations were not explained by concomitant risk factors.