The research of middle-aged U.S. adults compared census tract data on socioeconomic deprivation and heart failure rates. The data included neighbourhood-level variables of wealth, education, occupation and housing patterns. Participant demographics included:
- More than 50% lived in the most deprived neighbourhoods;
- 70% earned less than $15,000 annually;
- Nearly 39% had less than a high-school education; and
- 44% were obese.
The study shows during a five years follow-up, over 20% of participants were diagnosed with heart failure. Close to 5% of heart failure risk was associated with neighbourhood factors. A a cardiologist involved in the study said individualized treatment to reduce traditional risk factors like hypertension, diabetes and obesity may not be enough to prevent heart failure. The primary researcher said the results highlight the need for improved community-level resources that could reduce the risk of heart failure in these communities.