A new study has found that many people with heart failure also have diabetes or high blood pressure, but even when treated, these conditions are often not well controlled. This puts them at a higher risk of worsening heart problems.
The research, conducted by scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine, was published in Circulation: Heart Failure. The team, led by Dr. Madeline Sterling, analyzed nearly two decades of health data to better understand how well heart failure patients are managing these common conditions.
Heart failure happens when the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fatigue and difficulty in performing everyday activities. It affects more than 6 million people in the U.S., particularly those with a history of heart disease or heart attacks.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, and diabetes are two of the biggest risk factors for developing heart failure.
The study examined 18 years of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Researchers found that while only 8% of the 1,423 heart failure patients had severely high blood sugar levels (defined as a hemoglobin A1C level of 8% or higher), about 21% of those receiving diabetes treatment still failed to keep their blood sugar within recommended limits.
The findings for blood pressure were even more concerning. Nearly half (48%) of all heart failure patients had uncontrolled high blood pressure, defined in the study as a systolic blood pressure of 130 or higher.
Among those prescribed medication to lower their blood pressure, the situation was slightly worse—51% still did not have their condition under control. Black adults had even higher rates of uncontrolled blood pressure than white adults, at 53% compared to 47%.
The researchers believe that several factors may be contributing to this problem. Some doctors may not fully emphasize the importance of controlling blood pressure in heart failure patients. Additionally, many people struggle to access regular, affordable healthcare, especially those under 65 who do not qualify for Medicare.
Managing these conditions can also be difficult for patients themselves. Many heart failure patients are older and frail, and some have memory problems, making it hard for them to track their blood pressure and blood sugar regularly. Without proper monitoring and treatment, their heart failure may worsen over time.
This study highlights the urgent need for better support and care for heart failure patients, especially in managing diabetes and high blood pressure.
Improving access to healthcare, increasing awareness among doctors, and providing easier ways for patients to monitor their health could help prevent further complications and improve their quality of life.
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