People who have survived a heart attack could be at a greater risk of experiencing faster declines in memory and thinking abilities as they age, according to a new study published in the journal Stroke.
Researchers found that adults with a prior heart attack had a significantly higher likelihood of developing cognitive impairment over time compared to individuals without a history of heart attack. The findings highlight a growing connection between heart health and brain health, especially among older adults.
The study, led by Mohamed Ridha, analyzed health data from more than 20,000 adults enrolled in the long-running REGARDS study in the United States. Participants were followed for nearly a decade, during which researchers monitored changes in cognitive function using yearly memory and orientation tests.
According to the analysis, people who had previously suffered a heart attack showed about a 5% higher yearly risk of developing cognitive impairment. Even individuals with “silent” heart attacks (heart damage detected through electrocardiograms but never medically diagnosed) also experienced faster cognitive decline.
The researchers noted that silent heart attacks appeared to be more common among women than clinically diagnosed heart attacks.
“Having had a heart attack in the past may speed up the decline in memory and thinking over time,” Ridha explained, adding that understanding this link is important as dementia cases continue to rise globally.
Experts believe the findings reinforce the importance of maintaining strong cardiovascular health throughout life. The American Heart Association emphasized that healthy lifestyle habits including better diet, regular exercise, good sleep, avoiding tobacco, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar may help protect both the heart and the brain.
The researchers also adjusted the analysis for several factors linked to cognitive decline, including age, race, education, diabetes, smoking, depression, and prior strokes, suggesting that the association between heart attacks and declining brain function remained significant even after accounting for these risks.
Scientists say more research is needed to understand exactly how damage to blood vessels in the heart may contribute to changes in the brain. However, the study adds to growing evidence that cardiovascular disease may play a major role in long-term cognitive health.
