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Permanent AF may lead to cognitive impairment in patients with HF
The presence of permanent atrial fibrillation may increase the risk for cognitive impairment in patients with HF, according to study results published in The American Journal of Cardiology.
Researchers assessed the relationship between permanent AF and cognitive impairment in 881 patients with stable HF (mean age, 73 ± 11 years). Cognitive function was measured by both the Mini-Mental State Examination test (n = 876) and the Pfeiffer short portable mental status questionnaire (n = 848).
Of those enrolled, 33.5% had cognitive impairment, with 5.1% considered severe or moderate. The researchers found no significant difference between patients with preserved ejection fraction and reduced ejection fraction. Cognitive impairment was more prevalent in patients with permanent AF than in those patients without permanent AF (42.8% vs. 31%; P = .002). Patients with permanent AF also experienced higher rates of moderate or severe cognitive impairment (8.3% vs. 4.5%; P = .039). Through multivariate analysis, the researchers established that permanent AF was independently associated with cognitive impairment in patients with HF (OR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.05-2.28). Patients with cognitive impairment also were more likely to be older women with higher rates of diabetes, previous stroke, chronic kidney disease and a NYHA HF class of III to IV.
“Given the clinical impact of [cognitive impairment] in the HF population, active assessment of cognitive function is particularly warranted in patients with HF with [permanent AF],” the researchers concluded. – by Tracey Romero
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.