Back pain and heart failure in community-dwelling older adults: Findings from the Health ABC study

Abstract

This study explored the association of back pain and heart failure (HF) with health outcomes among community-dwelling older adults. Older adults who completed a follow-up in the 11th year (2007–2008) of the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) study were included. The mean age was 83.4 ± 2.78 years. Back pain and heart failure were reported by 55.40% (n = 657) and 8.09 % (n = 96) of the total subjects (N = 1186), respectively. Regression analysis indicated that older adults with back pain reported worse depressive symptoms, fatigue, and physical performance and function compared with those without back pain (p < 0.05), and HF presence increased fatigue levels and decreased physical function (p < 0.05) among older adults with back pain. The high incidence and negative impact of back pain highlight the need to develop strategies for pain management among older adults with and without HF.