Objective: Synthesize the best evidence from the literature describing the relationship between low expenditure and brain function in the prognosis of adult patients with heart failure. Methods: Descriptive integrative review, which performed a search in limited databases from 2009 to 2019, using MeSH and DeCS terms, such as Heart Failure, cardiac output, cognitive dysfunction, memory disorders in the analysis of 20 articles found. Results: It was identified that there is evidence that patients with heart failure suffer from prevalent mental disorders associated with numerous processes, including attention and learning deficits, decreased psychomotor speed, memory dysfunction, difficulties in solving problems and decreased executive function which worsens the prognosis because it is associated with poor adherence to treatment and lower quality of life Conclusion: In heart failure, cognitive resources decrease and cognitive demands increase, therefore, nursing must establish strategies for promotion and prevention, timely detection that comprehensively address the patient, aiming to improve self-care, in order to control medication, therapeutic regimens. and dietary, to ensure adherence to treatment and thus improve the quality of life of the patient and his family.