Cognitive decline assessed using a brief screening test and cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular events in older patients with heart failure.

Abstract

Although cognitive decline is recognized as a prognostic factor of heart failure (HF), the association of cognitive decline with specific clinical outcomes in patients with HF remains unclear. This study examines the relationship between cognitive decline using a brief test and cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular events in older patients with HF. This study included 146 hospitalised patients with HF (median age, 77years; male, 56.8%). Cognitive decline was defined as a score of ≤ 9 points on the Rapid Dementia Screening Test at the time of discharge. Cumulative incidence of cardiovascular events after discharge was twofold higher in patients with cognitive decline (Model 1 adjusted for basic characteristics, hazard ratio (HR) = 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94-4.31; Model 2 adjusted for potential confounders, HR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.07-4.97). The association between cognitive decline and non-cardiovascular events decreased after adjusting for potential confounders. The results of this study emphasize the clinical utility of cognitive assessment for risk stratification of worsening cardiovascular conditions, including HF.