Did you know that your heart and brain health are closely connected? Conditions like high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (AFib), and coronary artery disease don’t just affect your cardiovascular system — they can also increase your risk of developing dementia according to a new scientific statement published by the American Heart Association.

Understanding this connection can help you take steps to protect both your heart and your brain as you age.

The Link Between Heart Health and Brain Health

Your brain depends on a healthy heart to function properly. When your heart pumps efficiently, it delivers oxygen-rich blood to your brain, fueling its complex processes. For instance, with each beat, your heart pumps about 20-25% of your blood to your head, providing essential oxygen and nutrients to your brain cells, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

However, common heart conditions can disrupt this flow, potentially leading to cognitive decline and dementia over time.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease, often referred to as coronary heart disease, occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply your heart with blood. This plaque buildup can lead to blockages, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack or ischemic stroke. These blockages can also impact the brain by limiting its access to oxygen-rich blood, which is vital for maintaining proper function.

According to the AHA, individuals with coronary artery disease have a 27% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those without heart issues. What makes this condition particularly concerning is that it often begins silently in your 40s or 50s, with few or no noticeable symptoms. Over time, however, the reduced blood flow can contribute to cognitive decline by impairing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients essential for brain health.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is the most common heart rhythm disorder in adults. According to the AHA, the prevalence of AFib in the U.S. is projected to rise from 2.7 million in 2020 to nearly 16 million by 2050. AFib occurs when the heart's upper chambers beat irregularly, disrupting blood flow. This irregular heartbeat can lead to the formation of blood clots, which significantly increase your risk of stroke. Strokes caused by AFib-related blood clots can damage critical brain areas, contributing to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.

In addition to stroke risk, research indicates that AFib can directly impact brain health. Chronic irregular heart rhythms may reduce overall blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients essential for maintaining cognitive function.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most significant risk factors for both heart disease and dementia. When your blood pressure remains elevated, it places undue stress on your arteries, causing damage to small blood vessels in your brain. Over time, this can impair cognitive function and increase your risk of dementia.

Research highlights the critical link between midlife hypertension and later-life dementia. Individuals with high blood pressure in their early 40s to early 60s are significantly more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. This increased risk is due to several factors:

• Blood Vessel Damage: Hypertension damages blood vessels, leading to blockages that reduce blood flow to the brain.
• Waste Clearance Impairment: Reduced blood flow affects the brain's ability to clear harmful waste products, including beta-amyloid, a protein associated with Alzheimer's.
• Disrupted Connectivity: High blood pressure can break down connectivity between different brain regions, further contributing to cognitive decline.

Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when your heart isn’t pumping as effectively as it should. This means your body isn’t receiving enough oxygen-rich blood to function properly. Heart failure is associated with an 84% higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease, as it can compromise blood flow to key areas of the brain, potentially leading to cognitive decline.

Research highlights the connection between heart failure and cognitive impairment. A meta-analysis conducted by the American Heart Association revealed that nearly 50% of people with heart failure experience some form of cognitive impairment, affecting language, memory, and/or executive function. The severity of cognitive issues tends to correlate with the severity of heart failure.

Several things contribute to the increased risk of dementia in individuals with heart failure:

• Reduced Blood Flow: Decreased blood flow to the brain can result in brain tissue damage.
• Chronic Cerebral Hypoxia: Lower cardiac output can lead to prolonged oxygen deprivation in the brain.
• Systemic Inflammation: Heart failure can trigger widespread inflammation and disrupt small blood vessels in the brain.
• Vascular Autoregulation: Heart failure can impair the brain's ability to regulate its own blood supply.

Additionally, younger heart failure patients (under 70) are at a higher risk of developing all-cause dementia compared to older patients. Men with heart failure appear to have a greater risk of all-cause dementia than women.

Protecting Your Heart and Brain

The good news is that small, consistent changes can significantly reduce your risk. Here are some tips to prioritize your heart and brain health:

1. Keep Your Blood Pressure in Check

Regularly monitor your blood pressure and aim for a target below 120/80 mmHg. If it’s elevated, work with your doctor on a plan to manage it through diet, exercise, and medication if needed.

2. Manage AFib and Cholesterol

If you’ve been diagnosed with AFib or high cholesterol, follow your treatment plan closely. This may include medications, lifestyle changes, or procedures to restore a regular heart rhythm or reduce cholesterol levels.

3. Get Moving

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling improve circulation and support overall cardiovascular health.

4. Eat for Your Heart and Brain

Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, like the Mediterranean diet. These foods can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol while providing nutrients that support brain function.

5. Quit Smoking

If you smoke, take steps to quit. There are many resources available, from nicotine replacement therapy to support groups, to help you succeed.

6. Stay Socially and Mentally Active

Engaging in social activities, puzzles, or learning new skills can help keep your brain active. Combine these with physical activity for even greater benefits.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat, don’t ignore them. These could be signs of a heart condition that needs medical attention. Similarly, if you or a loved one notices memory loss or difficulty with thinking skills, consult with their doctor about your concerns. Early intervention is key to managing these conditions and minimizing their impact.

Your Health, Your Power

By understanding the connection between heart and brain health, you’re already taking a crucial step toward protecting yourself. Taking control of your cardiovascular health doesn’t just lower your risk of heart disease — it also helps safeguard your cognitive abilities for years to come. Remember, every healthy choice you make today is an investment in your future.

Staying on top of your health is not only important to you, it’s also important to us. If you are looking for a doctor, Texas Health Resources offers an easy-to-use tool. Simply choose the specialty, type in your zip code, and select a range. Once a list of physicians appears, you can click on a physician and access contact information, educational background, and a list of insurance plans the doctor accepts.