Many previous studies indicate that heart failure (HF) increases the risk of cognitive dysfunction and stroke, showing the logic that several physiological factors associated with cardiac dysfunctions affect homeostasis in the cerebral circulation. In the chronic process of HF patients, it is suggested that reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) and abnormal auto-regulation might result in impaired perfusion, metabolic insufficiency, and regional or global structural deteriorations in the brain. However, the mechanism underlying HF-induced brain disease remains unclear. Cardiac dysfunction in patients with HF or HF-induced several physiological abnormalities may cause brain dysfunction. Possible physiological factors should be considered for future studies to prevent brain disease as well as cardiovascular dysfunction in patients with HF.
Keywords: cardiac dysfunction; cerebral perfusion; cognitive function; heart failure.