The impact of cardiovascular diseases on brain health.
Cardiovascular diseases are often seen as a heart problem, but they also have significant effects on the brain. The blood vessels of your heart and those of your brain are part of the same system. If that system is damaged, it almost always affects both.
Research shows that people with cardiovascular diseases have a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Therefore, these conditions are included as important risk factors in the LIBRA score for brain health.
Cardiovascular diseases include conditions where the blood vessels or heart are damaged, such as:
narrowing of the coronary arteries
a previous heart attack
angina pectoris, chest pain due to lack of oxygen
treatments such as angioplasty or stent placement
These conditions indicate that the vascular system is vulnerable, not only in the heart, but also towards the brain.
Shared Vulnerability of Blood Vessels
The processes that cause narrowing and stiffening of the vessels in the heart also occur in the blood vessels that supply the brain with blood. Atherosclerosis is not a local problem but a systemic issue.
Reduced Blood Flow
Damaged vessels are less able to respond to the brain's needs. This can lead to temporary or permanent shortages of oxygen and nutrients, affecting memory and attention.
Increased Risk of Strokes
Cardiovascular diseases increase the risk of cerebral infarctions and hemorrhages. These can directly lead to cognitive problems, but small, silent infarctions also contribute to gradual decline.
Correlation with Other Risk Factors
Cardiovascular diseases often occur alongside high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. This combination increases the risk of cognitive decline.
“My heart problem is separate from my brain”
The heart and brain are directly connected through the vascular system. What harms the blood vessels affects both organs.
“Once the heart is treated, the risk is gone”
Treatment reduces risks, but the underlying vascular vulnerability often remains. Continued focus on lifestyle and monitoring is important.
“After a heart problem, I should mainly rest”
Rest is sometimes necessary, but prolonged inactivity is unfavorable. Tailored exercise is actually part of recovery and brain health protection.
“Stress after a heart problem is normal”
Anxiety and stress are common after a heart problem, but prolonged stress burdens the brain and vascular system. Attention to this is important.
Follow medical advice carefully
Medications such as blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, or blood pressure medication are designed to prevent further damage. Regular use and monitoring are important.
Keep moving within your limits
Exercise improves the condition of blood vessels and supports recovery. This can be under supervision, for example through cardiac rehabilitation or a tailored exercise program.
Pay attention to diet and lifestyle
A diet rich in plant-based products, low in saturated fat, and minimally processed foods supports both heart and brain health.
Focus on stress and recovery
Relaxation, sleep, and coping with uncertainty after a heart issue contribute to bodily stability and brain health.
Extra support can help if:
anxiety or uncertainty continues to dominate daily life
exercise feels difficult without guidance
multiple risk factors converge
The general practitioner or specialist can help think about appropriate support.
At Remind, we've gathered the 15 most important modifiable factors for you. You can view each one individually and read about ways to manage them:
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