The negative impact of atrial fibrillation, and other common cardiac risk factors on cognition

Abstract

Abstract Background Accumulating evidence has suggested that atrial fibrillation might play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cognitive functions and to determine the pattern of cognitive impairment in stroke-free patients, with AF and other cardiac risk factors (pulmonary hypertension and diastolic dysfunction). 55 patients, diagnosed with AF and 40 matched normal controls underwent psychometric tests, including the Modified Mini-Mental State examination test, PALT test, BVRT test, Token test, Trail B test, and PASAT test. MRI of the brain was performed for the patients to exclude brain infarction and a cardiological assessment included electrocardiography and echocardiogram. All patients had confirmed diagnosis of AF in the last 12 months and 43 patients had pulmonary hypertension. Results AF patients had significant impairment (p-value 0.009) in different cognitive domains (verbal, visual memory and working memory), compared to controls. Patients with pulmonary hypertension had a significant impairment in receptive language skills, working memory, attention, and arithmetic capabilities. Conclusion AF stroke-free patients and patients with pulmonary hypertension had significant impairment in different cognitive domains.

Keywords

• Atrial fibrillation
• Cardiac risk factors
• Cognitive domains
• Vascular cognitive impairment