Readmission Rates of Heart Failure and Their Associated Risk Factors in a Tertiary Academic Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Readmissions remain a persistent challenge in the care process of heart failure (HF). This study aimed to assess the 30 and 90-day readmission rates of HF and the associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study targeted adult patients admitted for HF to King Abdulaziz Medical City between January 2016 and December 2018. The primary outcome variables were 30- and 90-day readmissions. Descriptive statistics were used for the continuous variables, which displayed the mean, standard deviation, and minimum and maximum values. The binary logistic regression technique was used to investigate risk factors for 30- and 90-day readmissions. Results: The 30- and 90-day readmission rates were 39.6% and 37.6%, respectively. Hypertension (P < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (P = 0.03), hypothyroidism (P = 0.04), and pulmonary diseases (P < 0.001) were all deemed as risk factors for readmission within 30 days. Body mass index (P = 0.03), dyslipidemia (P = 0.04), chronic kidney disease (P = 0.03), arrhythmias (P = 0.007), and pulmonary diseases (P < 0.001) were all deemed as significant predictors of readmission within 90 days. Conclusion: The 30- and 90-day readmission rates were 39.6% and 37.6%, respectively. Hypertension, chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism, and pulmonary diseases were significant predictors for 30-day readmission. Body mass index, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, arrhythmias, and pulmonary diseases were significant predictors for 90-day readmissions. These predictors must be taken into consideration to develop strategies to reduce readmission rates and mitigate a burden on health-care resources and patients' morbidity.

Risk Factors for Readmission in Heart Failure Within 90 Days

“…Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition characterized by the inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs [ 1 ]. It is a leading cause of hospital admissions worldwide [ 2 ].…”

“…Several risk factors are associated with readmission in HF patients. These factors can be categorized into two main groups: medical and demographic factors [2,6,[7][8][9]. Medical factors include age, gender, body mass index (BMI), medication adherence, smoking, history of prior hospital admissions, length of hospital stay, and the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, renal failure, coronary artery disease, and lung disease [2,6,[7][8][9].…”