Cardiovascular Complications of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A Narrative Review

Ann Geriatr Med Res. 2021 Sep;25(3):170-177. doi: 10.4235/agmr.21.0079. Epub 2021 Sep 29.

Abstract

While acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used to treat a wide range of patients with Alzheimer's disease, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor use has also been associated with a variety of cardiovascular complications, including bradycardia and syncope. Herein, we review the pathophysiology and clinical evidence for cardiovascular complications caused by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in patients being treated for dementia and discuss options for their management.

Keywords: Alzheimer disease; Cardiovascular agents; Cholinesterase inhibitors; Drug monitoring.