Cognitive Decline and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Vascular Risk Factors

Abstract

Recent evidence shows that many vascular risk factors (VRFs) contribute to the cognitive decline. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cognitive decline, depression and the occurrence of subclinical atherosclerosis and the association between cognitive decline and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and VRFs versus patients without AF but with VRFs. After statistical analysis, we concluded that cognitive decline is more common in patients with AF and VRFs than in those without AF, but with VRFs, and we consider it is mandatory to identify and prevent cognitive changes. Our findings suggest a direct association between cognitive decline and AF, age, risk factors, cognitive parameters, hemodynamic changes (LVEF) and subclinical atherosclerosis (IMT).