Prevalence and influencing factors of cognitive frailty in patients with chronic heart failure: a meta-analysis - Summary - MDSpire

Cognitive Frailty in Chronic Heart Failure Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Prevalence and Contributing Factors

  • By

  • Meiwan Zhang

  • Chen Zhou

  • Min Hu

  • Chi Tian

  • Jiayue Zeng

  • July 20, 2026

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Objective:

To systematically investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of cognitive frailty in patients with chronic heart failure, and to provide evidence-based support for subsequent clinical intervention development.

Approach:
  • Study Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with a search across nine major academic databases.
  • Data Extraction: Two researchers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality.
  • Meta-Analysis: Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.0 software on data from 14 studies involving 5,127 patients.
Key Findings:
  • The pooled prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients with chronic heart failure was 39.3% (95% CI: 31.0%–47.7%).
  • Significant risk factors for cognitive impairment included age, age ≥ 80 years, NYHA classification, comorbidity burden, polypharmacy, malnutrition, and depression.
  • Protective factors against cognitive impairment included higher educational attainment, engaging in physical exercise ≥ 3 times per week, and regular participation in intellectual activities.
Interpretation:

Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among chronic heart failure patients and is influenced by multiple modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.

Limitations:
  • Heterogeneity in reported findings due to methodological limitations in existing studies.
  • Potential biases in study selection and data extraction processes.
Conclusion:

Strengthening routine cognitive function screening and implementing targeted interventions based on identified risk factors is recommended to improve patient prognosis.

Sources:

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