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Characterising Multimorbidity in Adults With Heart Failure: A Latent Class Analysis
Shirin O Hiatt1, Paula M Meek2, Bob G Wong2
1Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing, Portland, OR, USA; University of Utah, College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Heart, Lung & Circulation
|May 15, 2026
Summary
Multimorbidity in heart failure (HF) patients is diverse. This study identified four distinct classes of comorbidities, offering insights for personalized HF management and care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Data Science
Background:
- Multimorbidity (MM) is common in heart failure (HF) patients, impacting outcomes.
- Understanding the heterogeneity of MM in HF is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize distinct multimorbidity (MM) classes in adults with heart failure (HF).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 523 adult HF patients.
- Used latent class mixture modeling to identify MM classes.
- Comorbidities assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).
Main Results:
- Identified four distinct MM classes: neurovascular-renal, obesity-metabolic, atrial fibrillation, and early comorbidity.
- Prevalence of MM was high, with hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes being most common.
- Classes differed in age, living situation, financial stability, and CCI scores.
Conclusions:
- Multiple MM classes exist in HF patients, with varying characteristics.
- These findings have implications for tailoring HF management strategies.
- Highlights the need for person-centered care considering MM heterogeneity in HF.
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