Which of the following is NOT a major risk factor for congestive heart failure (CHF)?

Diabetes mellitus is indeed a recognized risk factor for developing congestive heart failure (CHF) due to its association with various cardiovascular complications, including increased risk of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and cardiomyopathy. It is important to understand that all the other options listed—hypertension, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease—are also well-established major risk factors for CHF.

Hypertension is one of the most significant contributors to CHF because it leads to left ventricular hypertrophy and eventually heart failure if not managed properly. Similarly, coronary artery disease reduces blood flow to the heart muscle and can lead to ischemia and heart failure. Valvular heart disease can result in dysfunction of the heart valves, causing volume overload or pressure overload of the heart chambers, ultimately contributing to heart failure as well.

Given the substantial impact that diabetes has on heart health, it is not correct to categorize it as a non-major risk factor for CHF. Instead, it plays a crucial role in the development and progression of heart failure alongside the other major risk factors.