People who have survived a heart attack appear to have a higher risk of brain deterioration into dementia, a recent study says.
On average, heart attack survivors have an annual 5% increased risk of developing cognitive impairment, researchers at the American Heart Association mentioned in their report published on May 14, 2026.
For this study, researchers tracked the brain function of approximately 21,000 men and women over 10 years. The participants underwent a medical interactive session and an electrocardiogram at the beginning of the study to determine whether they had had a heart attack in the past. About 1,100 reported a heart attack, and 281 had experienced the clinical symptoms of a heart attack. Another 840 participants had suffered a silent heart attack, based on their ECG readings.
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The result showed that people who had a silent heart attack experienced an accelerated rate of brain decline compared to those who had not had a heart attack. According to one expert, the study found that those who have had a heart attack, including silent heart attacks, are one of those groups at higher risk.
These findings could mean that a heart attack is a warning sign for circulatory problems that can also cause stroke and brain decline. However, researchers noted that further research is needed to better understand what is driving this condition and how damage to different blood vessels may be linked to changes in brain health. Experts at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health also pointed out that people must monitor their health and learn about symptoms using symptom checkers to help prevent brain decline.
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Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment.