Over the past decade, medical advancements have significantly improved the survival rates for heart attacks. Yet, this extension in longevity might come at a cost as HF induces a chronic reduction in cerebral perfusion that negatively impacts patient prognosis and clinical outcome. Such chronic brain perfusion deficits are frequently accompanied by cognitive decline, which seriously impacts the patients’ quality of life, their ability to cope with their primary disease (e.g., through reduced treatment compliance), and have substantial social effects on families, friends, and society at large. Statistically, cognitive impairment is 5 times more prevalent in HF patients relative to the age-matched general population. To date, no curative treatments or strategies for preventing or slowing of cognitive decline associated with HF exist, which is mainly due to the lack of knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying HF-mediated brain complications. Thus, new approaches to addressing this are urgently needed. 

Cardiovascular and chronic lung diseases are an enormous health burden worldwide accounting for 4 of the top 6 causes of death according to the World Health Organization. Existing therapies can only slow down disease progression and therefore, new solutions are urgently needed. Traditionally, both are regarded separate entities but increasing evidence shows that the existing link between chronic cardiovascular and chronic lung diseases is largely underestimated and thus, integrated approaches toward deciphering this link on a molecular level are urgently needed.