Variability in Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control in Patients with Heart Failure According to Gender and Socioeconomic Status

Background: Despite considerable evidence concerning heart failure (HF) risk factors, there is scarce information about the effect and degree of control regarding socioeconomic and gender inequalities.Methods: Cohort study including HF patients >40 years of age attended in 53 primary health care centers in Barcelona (Spain). Socioeconomic status (SES) was determined by an aggregated deprivation index (MEDEA) according to the neighborhood of residence. Logistic multivariable regression was performed to analyze differences in cardiovascular risk factor control, stratifying by SES and sex.Results: A total of 8235 HF patients were included. Mean age was 78.1 (standard deviation 10.2) years, and 56.0% were women. The most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors were hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Blood pressure was the worst controlled factor in both genders with the lowest SES (odds ratio [OR] 0.56 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.71) and (OR 0.52, 0.46-0.71), respectively. In women, a social gradient was observed for glycemic and body mass index control, which were worse in the most unfavorable socioeconomic position (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.38-0.77), and (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.32-0.64), respectively. Men presented worse control of blood pressure (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.71) and smoking habit (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47-0.90) in the most deprived socioeconomic bracket.Conclusion: Patients with HF in the most disadvantaged socioeconomic levels presented the worst degree of control for cardiovascular risk factors, and this negative effect was stronger in women.

Automated summary

This study suggests that patients with heart failure in the most disadvantaged socioeconomic levels have the worst degree of control for cardiovascular risk factors, with a stronger negative effect observed in women.