Cognitive Decline After Cardiovascular Procedures: Where Is the Evidence?

Many patients and caregivers worry about the potential for a decline in cognitive function after cardiovascular procedures. Researchers sought to illuminate the evidence by conducting a systematic review of cognitive outcomes among older adults (aged ≥65 years) after coronary or carotid revascularization, cardiac valve procedures, or ablation for atrial fibrillation.

The authors identified 17 randomized trials and 4 prospective cohort studies. The quality was uneven: 3 had a high risk of bias, 11 a moderate risk, and 7 had unclear bias risk. Mean participant age was 68 years; 80% were men.

Despite numerous analyses within each study, the authors found little to no difference in cognitive outcomes between treatment groups. The authors found no…