Risk Factors for Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop congestive heart failure with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing congestive heart failure. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors for congestive heart failure (CHF) include:

The following medical conditions put you at increased risk for developing CHF:

Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Coronary artery disease
Diabetes
Obesity
Hyperthyroidism
Severe emphysema
Previous history of heart disease
Valvular heart disease

These lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing CHF:

Excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking
Long-term use of anabolic steroids

CHF is most common in people who are older; most people who have CHF are age 65 or older. CHF is the leading cause of hospital admission in patients older than 65.

Both men and women can develop CHF. However, men are at a slightly higher risk of developing CHF.

References

Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine . 15th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2001.

Heart Failure Online website. Available at: http://www.heartfailure.org . Accessed January 30, 2007.

Mayo Clinic heart Center website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-failure/HB00061 . Accessed January 30, 2007.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Michael J. Fucci, DO
Review Date: 09/2012
Update Date: 00/91/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.