Cardiol Young. 2026 Jun 29:1-9. doi: 10.1017/S1047951126112943. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Understanding the long-term implications of CHD has become a priority as survival rates have improved. Little is understood about the economic implications of living with CHD into adulthood.
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of financial fragility (i.e., ability to pay $2,000 for an emergency expense) among adults with CHD in the United States and compare outcomes to their healthy siblings.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the CHD Project to Understand Lifelong Survivor Experience survey (2021-2023). The survey assessed demographics, medical history, and economic outcomes, including financial fragility. Analyses included chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests with multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic factors.
RESULTS: There were 3074 adults with CHD and 324 siblings who answered the financial fragility question. The prevalence of financial fragility was 20.6% for individuals with CHD versus 12.7% in siblings (p = 0.02); individuals with CHD had higher odds (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.04-2.17, p = 0.029) of financial fragility compared to siblings. Single ventricle anatomy was the only CHD group significantly associated with financial fragility (aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.12-2.26). Financially fragile individuals were more likely to report blindness, be female or a race other than non-Hispanic white, and have single ventricle CHD.
CONCLUSION: Adults with CHD experience greater financial fragility than their siblings and disease severity is associated with increased risk. Addressing financial fragility is essential to mitigate the long-term economic burden of CHD on patients and families.
PMID:42366897 | DOI:10.1017/S1047951126112943