Heart diseases are distressing and primarily affect people of middle age or the elderly, but they are increasingly affecting younger people nowadays. The choice and frequency of cardiac medications also have an impact on cognitive function.

The side effects of commonly prescribed medications can cause a cloudy mind or memory loss, which can exacerbate the problem, especially in older adults. It is essential to know the medications’ specifics that impact cognitive health and the patients taking them.

Medications and Cognitive Function

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, and many individuals with heart disease need to take daily medication as part of their care plan. However, many cardiac medications can affect a person’s cognitive health.

Unfortunately, few patients or physicians are aware of this correlation.

Cardiac medications that impact cognitive function primarily focus on blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They include the following drugs:.

Blood Pressure Medications

High blood pressure is the primary risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Lowering high blood pressure effectively has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and death.

But there are some blood pressure medications that can impact cognitive health.

Diuretics

Diuretics are commonly taken to lower blood pressure. They work by increasing urine output and reducing the fluid content in the body.

Diuretics can lower blood pressure rapidly than other drugs, but they can also cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can lead to dizziness, confusion, and cognitive defects.

Alpha Blockers

Alpha-blockers are prescribed to lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. These medications are known to cause orthostatic hypotension that can lead to falls, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

Orthostatic hypotension can cause a temporal decrease in blood flow to the brain, leading to brain function decline.

Beta Blockers

Beta-blockers are prescribed to decrease blood pressure by reducing the heart rate. They can cause fatigue, constipation, and nausea. These medications may slow the response time and impair memory.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)

ACE inhibitors are prescribed to lower blood pressure. They dilate blood vessels and prevent angiotensin conversion. However, side effects include dizziness, confusion, and coughing, which can make thinking more clouded.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers are used for blood pressure control. They work by blocking the entry of calcium into heart and arterial cells, causing the heart to beat less strongly.

Memory loss, confusion, and sleepiness are possible side effects of these medications due to decreased blood flow to the brain.

Cholesterol-Lowering Medications

Medications prescribed for lowering cholesterol levels can also impact cognitive function. They include the following:.

Statins

Statins are used to lower cholesterol levels by blocking an enzyme that produces cholesterol. Common side effects of statins include muscle pain, cognitive impairment, and memory loss.

Cholesterol-lowering medications like statins can cause cognitive problems in some people, but current studies have mixed results.

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants are used to lower cholesterol levels. They work by binding with bile acids in the intestines and preventing their absorption. They can cause constipation, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

In some cases, it can cause memory loss and other cognitive problems.

Conclusion

Medications that impact cognitive function are more common than we think. The side effects of cardiac drugs can cause cognitive problems like memory loss, confusion, and inattentiveness.

Older adults are especially vulnerable to these side effects and can suffer from a cloudy mind as a result. It is essential to work with healthcare providers to manage cardiovascular diseases and medication choices, and doses to ensure the health of the heart and the mind.