Cardiac rehabilitation and its effects on cognition in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure

Introduction: Cardiac rehabilitation program is an evidence-based intervention and established model of exercise delivery following myocardial infarction and heart failure. Although it forms an important part of recovery and helps to prevent future events and complications, there has been little focus on its potential cognitive benefits.

Areas covered: Coronary artery disease and heart failure are common heart problems associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and cognitive decline is commonly seen in affected individuals. Cognitive impairment may influence patient self-management by reducing medication adherence, rendering patients unable to make lifestyle modifications and causing missed healthcare visits. Cognitive assessment in cardiac rehabilitation as an outcome measure has the potential to improve clinical, functional and behavioral domains as well as help to reduce gaps in the quality of care in these patients.

Expert commentary: Limited evidence at present has shown that cardiac rehabilitation and exercise has potential in preventing cognitive decline. Cardiac prehabilitation, a rehabilitation-like program delivered before cardiac surgery, may also play a role in preventing postoperative cognitive dysfunction, but needs future research studies to support it.