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

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