Influence of Physiological and Psychological Factors on Cognitive Dysfunction in Heart Failure Patients

Abstract Aim Our study aimed to examine factors that contribute to cognitive dysfunction in patients with heart failure (HF). Background Although a majority of patients with HF have mild to moderate cognitive impairment, little is known about factors that influence progressive cognitive decline in this population. Methods We examined the influence of physiological factors (NYHA functional class II – IV, ejection fraction, co-morbidity burden, polypharmacy), psychosocial factors (anxiety, depression, evaluation for advanced therapy), and associated toxicities (anticholinergic drug burden), on cognitive dysfunction. Data were analyzed using mean (SE) for continuous variables and frequency and percent for categorical variables. Differences between NYHA functional classification (Class II vs. Class III/IV) were examined using Chi Square. Linear regression models were used to assess associations among model variables. Results Of the 113 participants with HF, Class III-IV HF were more cognitively impaired than those with NYHA Class II (p Conclusions Findings support a high prevalence of cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, and depression in NYHA class II-IV with a greater level of cognitive dysfunction in class III/IV patients.