Comorbidities and determinants of health on heart failure guideline-directed medical therapy adherence: All of us

Background

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are challenging conditions to treat due to complex pathophysiology and associated comorbidities. However, recent trials have demonstrated improved outcomes with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for each subtype of heart failure.

Objective

We investigated the relationship of determinants of health and risk factors with GDMT use for HFrEF and HFpEF in a large, diverse US cohort.

Methods

Using the NIH-sponsored All of Us Program, we compared demographics, risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, smoking), and SDOH measures between HFrEF and HFpEF in US adults aged 18 years and older. We examined the proportions of HFrEF patients receiving fewer than four or all four GDMTs. HFpEF patients receiving two medications were compared with those receiving less than two recommended medications. Multiple logistic regression was used for data analysis.

Result

Of 6049 HFrEF patients, 5838 (97 %) received fewer than four GDMTs, and 210 (3 %) received quadruple therapy. Of 3774 HFpEF patients, 162 (4 %) were on 2/3 GDMT, and only 38 (1 %) were on all three recommended medications. Patients with ASCVD and diabetes had higher odds of being on more than half of the recommended GDMT for both HFrEF and HFpEF. Additionally, females had higher odds of being on 2/3 GDMT for HFpEF (1.46 [1.08, 2.00]). Race, income, education, and health insurance types did not predict GDMT optimization.

Conclusion

HFrEF and HFpEF GDMT remain underutilized. Future efforts to address comorbidities and system-wide healthcare interventions may improve heart failure GDMT.