COPD is associated with cognitive dysfunction and poor physical fitness in heart failure
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To examine the associations among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cognitive function, and physical fitness in heart failure (HF).
BACKGROUND:
Cognitive impairment in HF in part stems from medical comorbidities and poor physical fitness. COPD, a frequent co-existing condition in HF, is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and a known cause of poor physical fitness. Yet, the interplay among COPD, cognition, and physical fitness has never been examined in HF.
METHODS:
191 HF patients completed a cognitive test battery and brief physical fitness assessment. Diagnostic history of COPD was ascertained via medical chart review.
RESULTS:
Regression analyses showed HF patients with COPD exhibited worse attention/executive function and poorer fitness relative to their non-COPD counterparts. Worse fitness correlated with cognitive dysfunction.
CONCLUSIONS:
COPD is associated with reduced cognition and worse fitness in HF. Longitudinal work that employs objective assessments of COPD is needed to determine directionality and clarify mechanisms.
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