Which of the following is NOT listed as a risk factor for heart failure?

• A. Coronary artery disease
• B. Obesity
• C. Hypertension
• D. Diabetes

Answer: (B)

Risk factors for heart failure are conditions that either damage the heart muscle or increase the workload on the heart over time. Coronary artery disease is a direct cause of ischemic damage to the heart, making it a clear risk factor. Long-standing hypertension raises afterload, leading to left ventricular hypertrophy and eventual dysfunction. Diabetes is linked to both accelerated atherosclerosis and a form of diabetic cardiomyopathy, contributing to heart failure risk.

Obesity is a major contributor to heart failure risk as well, but in some lists or question sets it may not be listed as a standalone risk factor. It often influences risk indirectly by promoting hypertension, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and increased cardiac workload, which then elevate HF risk. So, while obesity is clinically important for HF risk, the specific phrasing of this item reflects the list being used, where the other factors are named outright as risk factors and obesity is not listed in that set.