RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND LEFT VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH HEART ARRHYTHMIAS.

Abstract

Background: To estimate the relationship between cognitive function of patients with heart arrhythmias and left ventricle (LV) diastolic function.

Materials and methods: In a one-center cross-control study we recruited 28 patients with heart arrhythmias, of whom 14 had 1800 or more premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) per 24 hours and more (group 1), and 14 had paroxysmal AF (group 2). All patients were asymptomatic for heart arrhythmias. Laboratory and instrumental methods included standard investigations: lipidograms, 24 hours ECG monitoring, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and, if prescribed, coronary angiography. In the TTE protocol, we followed current clinical recommendations in assessing the LV diastolic function. For cognitive function evaluation, we used the standard Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test, with the following scoring: maximum possible score - 30 points; mild cognitive impairment - 22-27 points; moderate cognitive impairment - 10-21 points; severe cognitive impairment - 0-9 points.

Results: The most common heart arrhythmias (frequent PVCs, paroxysmal AF) were associated with cognitive impairment in the preponderance of patients (mean score here).

Conclusions: LV diastolic dysfunction is a predictor for cognitive impairment in patients with frequent PVCs and paroxysmal AF. The MoCA test can be an additional tool for this category of patients to detect the early cognitive impairment.