Heart Failure Part 2: Who is most at risk for heart failure?
In this second part of a two-part series on heart failure, we explore who is most at risk and new heart failure treatment options to improve quality of life with the Director of the Women’s Heart Failure Clinic at the Cleveland Clinic and Chair of the WomenHeart Scientific Advisory Council, Dr. Eileen Hsich.
Lisa Nelson RD: Who is most at risk for heart failure?
Dr. Hsich: Heart failure risk is greatest for the people who have had heart attacks. That is the most common risk factor, for both men and women. Once you’ve had a heart attack, you’re at the highest risk to have heart failure. High blood pressure is more common in women than men as the cause. So is valvular disease. Diabetes is a common risk factor for both women and men.
Lisa Nelson RD: How about in regards to age or race? Is there any predominance in one group versus another?
Dr. Hsich: Yes. Women are more likely than men to develop heart failure due to high blood pressure and valvular disease, and develop it at older ages, as well as with stronger hearts. Men tend to develop heart failure with weaker hearts, younger ages and due to heart attack.
Patients who are African American often have high blood pressure as the underlying cause. They can develop heart failure with a weak heart or a strong heart. High blood pressure is often the underlying cause. I always refer to it as the silent killer. None of us can feel our blood pressure. It’s really important that we get checked. Diabetes is also something that you don’t necessarily know until you get checked.
