Knowledge and Awareness of the Relationship Between Heart Failure and Chronic Uncontrolled Hypertension Among Communities in the Aseer Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The primary objective of this study was to assess the awareness among respondents in Aseer, Saudi Arabia, regarding the link between uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) and the potential development of heart failure (HF). Furthermore, we examined variations in the knowledge of essential information based on whether participants had a history of HF or HTN. Methods: Employing a snowball sampling method, we conducted a prospective online cross-sectional survey targeting adults aged 18 years and above, encompassing both males and females. The survey participants were residents of the Aseer region with access to the internet. Results: A total of 418 responses were included in the final analysis; 26.8% were aged 45-55 years, 53.8% were males, 69.1% held a university degree, 17.5% were healthcare workers (HCWs), and 26.8% reported having HTN. There was a statistically significant difference between respondents with and without HF regarding knowledge about uncontrolled HTN and its definition. Television and the internet were the most prominent sources of information, with 31.8% and 35.6%, respectively. Of the responders, 50% knew that uncontrolled HTN can lead to HF. Gender differences were significant, with 51.20% of females and 48.80% of males recognizing this link (p = 0.039). HCWs showed higher awareness compared to non-HCWs (70.81% vs. 29.19%, p < 0.001). HF awareness significantly impacted the respondent’s knowledge (80.38%, p < 0.001). Those knowledgeable about uncontrolled HTN were more likely to be aware of this connection (60.29% vs. 25.84%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: A large sector of the general population did not know that uncontrolled HTN may cause HF, especially those free from both conditions.