Awareness of Heart Failure and Associations with Blood Pressure Management and Self-Efficacy in Women

Authors

• DO Kiesewetter
• L Lang
• Y Ma

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) prevalence is increasing in the U.S and hypertension, which affects ~50% of U.S. adults is the leading cause of HF. Awareness of HF and effective management of hypertension is critical for reducing subsequent HF.
OBJECTIVES: Assess HF awareness, its association with adherence to antihypertensive medication, and explore the role of self-efficacy in these relationships.
METHODS: Three electronic surveys, distributed to 18,849 women ≥18 years in the U.S. via American Heart Association’s Research Goes Red platform, assessed HF awareness, blood pressure management in hypertensive participants, and self-efficacy in diabetic and/or hypertensive participants. HF awareness scores were calculated.
RESULTS: 2,320 women took the HF awareness survey, 678 the blood pressure management survey, and 755 the self-efficacy survey. Participants were predominantly Non-Hispanic White (80%), median age 51 (IQR: 39, 62), 39% had hypertension and/or diabetes. Mean HF awareness score was 4.4/5 (SD: 0.8). Respondents with high (vs low) HF awareness were older (p<0.001), more likely to be Non-Hispanic White (p<0.001), and less likely to smoke (p<0.001) or have depression (p=0.03). Among hypertensive respondents, 89% reported taking prescribed medication, which was not associated with HF awareness or self-efficacy. Respondents with greater (vs lesser) self-efficacy had higher HF awareness score (p=0.04), were older (p=0.01) and less likely to report depression (p=0.01).
CONCLUSION: Overall, awareness of HF and adherence to antihypertensive medication were high in this cohort. Depression and younger age may be important factors affecting HF awareness and confidence in managing chronic diseases.

Scientific Focus Area: Epidemiology

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