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Prevalence of chronic rheumatic heart disease in Chinese adults

Wang Zhimin1, Zou Yubao, Song Lei

  • 1Department of Echocardiography, Fu wai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100037, PR China.

International Journal of Cardiology
|March 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Rheumatic heart disease affects approximately 2 million Chinese adults, highlighting a significant public health burden. This study assessed chronic rheumatic heart disease prevalence in China using echocardiography.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains prevalent in developing nations.
  • Previous data on RHD prevalence in China is outdated, necessitating current assessment.
  • Understanding RHD's current impact is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the current prevalence of chronic rheumatic heart disease in China.
  • To provide objective data on RHD burden in the Chinese population.
  • To inform future interventions and resource allocation for RHD management.

Main Methods:

  • A community-based, multistage random sampling investigation was conducted across nine Chinese provinces.
  • Echocardiographic imaging, including mitral valve views and color flow Doppler, was used for RHD diagnosis.
  • M-mode and 2D echocardiography assessed the aortic root and left atrium to support diagnoses.

Main Results:

  • Out of 8080 participants who underwent echocardiography, 15 individuals showed definitive evidence of RHD.
  • The estimated prevalence of RHD was 186 per 100,000 adults, equivalent to 2 in 1000.
  • This prevalence suggests approximately 2 million middle-aged to elderly Chinese are affected.

Conclusions:

  • Rheumatic heart disease represents a substantial health burden affecting millions in China.
  • The study's focus on urban and suburban areas may lead to an underestimation of the true national prevalence.
  • Further research including rural populations is recommended to ascertain the complete RHD burden.
Abstract

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