Risk factor control among heart failure patients in the United States: Results from the NHANES 1999-2018

Compliance with recommended pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to modify risk factors is associated with improved outcomes for patients with heart failure (HF).

We conducted an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) years 1999-2018 to evaluate the adequacy of risk factor control and compliance with recommended lifestyle and medications according to the clinical guidelines for the management of HF. Demographic, clinical, and healthcare-access factors associated with having risk factors uncontrolled or not receiving recommended medications were determined using logistic regression analyses.

We collected 1906 participants aged 18 years or older with a self-reported history of HF. The majority were at target goals for blood pressure (45.07%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (22.04%), and glycated hemoglobin (72.15%), whereas only 19.09% and 27.38% were at targets for body mass index and waist circumference respectively. Besides, 79.49% and 67.23% of respondents reported smoking cessation and recommended alcohol consumption, whereas only 11.54% reported adequate physical activity. Proportion of taking beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs) and diuretics was 54.77%, 52.62% and 49.37%, respectively. Finally, the logistic regression analysis showed that metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus were associated with a higher likelihood of having risk factor uncontrolled, while metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease were predictors for not receiving recommended medications.

Risk factor control and adherence to recommended lifestyle and medications are non-ideal among HF patients in the USA. A systematic approach for risk factor optimization in people with HF is urgently needed.