Phenotypic profiling of cognitive impairment risk among patients with heart failure: a literature review of the usefulness of cardiac-related variables.

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment among patients with heart failure can be subtle. Heart failure-related variables such as ejection fraction, low systolic blood pressure and functional status are reportedly associated with cognitive impairment among heart failure patients. The purpose of this literature review was to examine the value of cardiac variables commonly assessed during heart failure-related hospitalizations for a phenotypic profile of the risk of cognitive impairment.
METHOD: A literature review of primary research studies was conducted. Electronic databases (PubMed and CINAHL) were searched using the keywords heart failure, blood pressure, ejection fraction, functional status, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in combination with the terms cognition, cognitive function, cognitive dysfunction, and cognitive impairment.
RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Evidence supports the potential utility of lower ejection fraction, lower blood pressure and functional status and elevated B-type natriuretic peptide as a phenotypic profile for an increased risk of cognitive impairment. IMPLICATIONS: If the risk for cognitive impairment is suspected, specific evaluations of cognition can be performed. For community-dwelling heart failure patients with mild cognitive impairment, more intense interventions to support self-care, increased family involvement and more frequent follow up may be necessary.