Description

For sample adults whom a doctor or other health professional had ever diagnosed as having congestive heart failure (CONHFAILEV), CONHFAILYR reports answers to the question, "During the past 12 months, have you had congestive heart failure?"

Congestive heart failure, which was not discussed in the survey documentation, is defined by the Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia as "a life-threatening condition in which the heart can no long pump enough blood to the rest of the body. (Congestive) heart failure is almost always a chronic, long-term condition, although it can sometimes develop suddenly." The most common causes of congestive heart failure are hypertension (high blood pressure) and coronary artery disease.

In 2002, the survey identified sample adults who had other forms of heart disease during the past 12 months, including a heart attack or myocardial infarction (HEARTATYR), angina pectoris (ANGIPECYR), coronary heart disease (CHEARTDIYR), or any other kind of heart condition or heart disease (other than heart attack, angina pectoris, or coronary heart disease) (HEARTCONYR). Respondents for these inquiries were limited to those whom a doctor or other health professional had ever diagnosed as having the corresponding heart condition (HEARTATTEV, ANGIPECEV, CHEARTDIEV, and (HEARTCONEV).

The 1977 survey included a single, broad question covering all types of heart disease or heart trouble during the past 12 months. Specifically, persons age 20 and older were asked, "During the past 12 months, did you have heart disease or heart trouble?" (HEARTDISYR).

Comparability

This variable is only available in 2002.

Universe

Availability

• 2002

Weights

• 2002 : SAMPWEIGHT