Objective:

To clarify the prevalence and risk factors of cognitive impairment in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) through a systematic review and meta-analysis, highlighting the implications for clinical practice.

Key Findings:

• Cognitive impairment prevalence in CHD patients is 36.6% (95% CI 27.6%–45.7%).
• Significant risk factors include age (OR: 1.10), history of stroke (OR: 1.99), smoking (OR: 3.05), diabetes (OR: 2.31), depression (OR: 1.67), and anxiety (OR: 2.03), indicating a strong association with cognitive decline.
• No significant correlations found with education level, hypertension, systolic blood pressure, or HDL-C.

Interpretation:

Cognitive impairment is prevalent among CHD patients, particularly in high-risk groups such as the elderly, smokers, and those with comorbid conditions or negative emotions, necessitating targeted interventions.

Limitations:

• Variability in measurement approaches for cognitive impairment may lead to inconsistent prevalence estimates.
• Differences in study quality and sampling strategies may affect the reliability of prevalence estimates.
• The dynamic nature of cognitive changes complicates assessment and interpretation of results.

Conclusion:

Healthcare professionals should identify high-risk groups early and implement targeted interventions, such as cognitive assessments and support programs, to prevent cognitive impairment in CHD patients.