Understanding socioecoNomiC & Lifestyle factors in patiEnts with heArt failuRe-UNCLEAR Study

Introduction Patients with heart failure face enormous challenges with disease burden. Socioeconomic and lifestyle patterns and disease insights have been sparsely reported in the past. The current study aims to go in-depth into understanding these characteristics in patients with heart failure. Methods 110 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were enrolled in the study. During clinic/hospital visit, patients filled out a questionnaire survey identifying various socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics. Data were expressed as %. Gender comparisons were made using Pearson chi-squared tests. Results Of the 110 patients. 56% were male. Mean age was 63± 14 yrs. 49% of patients were >65 yrs. Major self-reported co-morbidities were heart attack (35%), erectile dysfunction (55%), rhythm issues (60%), diabetes (44%) and arthritis (49%). Depression was common at 44%. 70% of the subjects had Medicare and 9% were uninsured. 81% had NYHA class 2 or more symptoms. Vision (79%) and hearing issues (33%) were common and 8% had trouble with combined vision, hearing and reading. 22% had trouble reading pill bottles. 39% of patients lived alone. Only 42% of the patients knew the names of their HF medications and 84% set their own pill schedules. 35% of patients reported forgetfulness as the main reason for missing pills. A summary of author reported significant characteristics are listed in the table with gender-based differences. While no key gender-based differences exist, females fared better in being able to recollect the names of their HF medications. Conclusion The current analysis highlights the significant limitations HFrEF. patients face on a day to day basis. While certain variables are non-modifiable; patients, caregivers and healthcare systems need to continue to evolve and adapt to these limitations/barriers to make a meaningful improvement in the morbidity and mortality associated with HFrEF.