The Dual Impact of Obesity and Diabetes on Heart Failure Readmissions: Results from the Congestive Heart Failure Registry at Harlem Hospital Center

• Published in: Medical principles and practice p. 1
• Main Authors: Magdits, Mariel, AlShammari, Asmaa, Majdalani, Rosemarie, Devarajan, Sriraman, Raiszadeh, Farbod
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland S. Karger AG 30.05.2025
• Subjects: Obesity paradox; Obesity; Congestive heart failure; Diabetes; Hospital readmissions
• ISSN: 1011-7571; 1423-0151
• DOI: 10.1159/000546681

This study aimed to investigate the obesity paradox in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) at Harlem Hospital Center (HHC), examine the role of diabetes in CHF readmissions, and explore the combined impact of obesity and diabetes on readmission rates. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 390 patients from HHCs CHF registry (January 2019-December 2021). CHF admissions and 30-day readmissions were analyzed, focusing on obesity, diabetes, and their interplay. Preliminary analyses revealed a correlation between obesity and reduced 30-day readmission rates. Diabetes alone did not significantly influence readmissions; however, patients with both obesity and diabetes had higher readmission rates than those with obesity alone. However, after adjusting for confounders, none of the observed associations remained statistically significant, highlighting the complexity of interpreting the obesity paradox in this population. These findings suggest that the obesity paradox may exist but is attenuated by the presence of diabetes. Further research is needed to elucidate these relationships and their implications for managing CHF in obese diabetic patients.