It makes common sense that what is good for the Heart is also good for the brain. Now we’ve got more empirical data to back it up. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests higher cardiovascular risk scores are linked to lower cognitive function. The new research proposed the risk calculator used to predict cardiovascular disease also may help predict a person's poor cognitive function.

The study found the higher a person's 10-year cardiovascular risk score, also known as the Framingham 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) score, the worse they scored on tests for cognitive function. The study’s findings contribute to the mounting evidence suggesting that controlling heart-health risk factors may help protect brain health. The study’s results specifically suggest every 5% increment in the cardiovascular disease risk score may be related to poorer cognitive functioning.

While previous studies have shown an association between higher cardiovascular risk scores and poorer cognitive function in people with preexisting health conditions, the new study examined this link in a larger sample of the general population and differences among racial and ethnic subgroups.

The Importance of Cardiovascular Disease Score

Healthcare professionals use either the ASCVD risk score from the American College of Cardiology or the Framingham 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score to estimate an individual's risk of developing a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, within the next ten years. The Framingham Risk Score is based on data from the Framingham Heart Study, a long-term study that began in 1948 and involved participants from Framingham, Massachusetts.

The Framingham Risk Score considers several risk factors identified as significant predictors of cardiovascular disease. These risk factors include age, gender, total cholesterol level, HDL cholesterol (often called "good" cholesterol), blood pressure, smoking status, and diabetes. By assessing these factors, the risk score estimates the probability that an individual will experience a cardiovascular event within the next decade.

The importance of the Framingham 10-year CVD risk score lies in its ability to help healthcare professionals identify individuals at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. By identifying high-risk individuals, healthcare providers can implement preventive measures and interventions to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events. These interventions may include lifestyle modifications (such as adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking) and, in some cases, using medication to manage risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Healthy Heart = Greater Cognitive Function?

What are the connections between a healthy heart and cognitive function?

• Blood flow and oxygen delivery: The brain requires constant oxygen and nutrients to function optimally. The Heart pumps oxygenated blood to the brain through a network of blood vessels. Any disruptions in blood flow, such as those caused by cardiovascular diseases, can lead to reduced oxygen delivery to the brain, potentially impacting cognitive function.

  Hypertension and cognitive decline: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Research suggests untreated or poorly controlled hypertension can contribute to cognitive decline and an increased risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Chronic high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, impairing cognitive function over time.

• Atherosclerosis and stroke: Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, narrowing the blood vessels and reducing blood flow. It can lead to a stroke when it affects the blood vessels supplying the brain. A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is disrupted, resulting in brain damage. Strokes can cause immediate cognitive impairments and may increase the risk of long-term cognitive decline.

• Inflammation and cognitive function: Chronic inflammation, often associated with cardiovascular diseases, has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer's. Inflammatory processes can damage brain cells and disrupt neuron communication, affecting cognitive function.

• Risk factors in common: Several risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels, have also been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. Managing these risk factors through a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight, can benefit both heart health and cognitive function.

It's important to note that while these connections exist, they do not guarantee a cause-and-effect relationship. Many other factors, including genetics and lifestyle choices, can influence heart health and cognitive function. However, the findings may suggest that reducing cardiovascular risk factors could be a strategy for preventing cognitive decline. While some of the risk factors in the Framingham calculator can't be changed, many can be. Following the AHA’s 8 Healthy Behaviors, such as eating better, being more active, quitting tobacco, getting healthy sleep, managing weight, managing blood sugar, and managing blood pressure, are part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.