Carotid Artery Vascular Mechanics Serve as Biomarkers of Cognitive Dysfunction in Aortic‐Banded Miniature Swine That Can Be Treated With an Exercise Intervention

Abstract

Carotid artery stiffness and altered vasomotor control correlate with impaired cognition independent of cardiac systolic dysfunction. Carotid artery vascular mechanics may serve as a biomarker for vascular cognitive impairment in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Chronic low-intensity exercise reduces vascular stiffening and improves cognition, highlighting the utility of exercise therapy for treating vascular cognitive impairment in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.