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Changes in the etiology of valvular heart disease in the rapidly aging Korean population
Shin Yi Jang1, Eun-Young Ju2, Su Ra Seo3
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Center for Cardiovascular and Stroke Imaing, Vascular Center, Heart Vascular and Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Republic of Korea.
Insights
The prevalence of non-rheumatic valvular heart disease significantly increased in Korea from 2006 to 2011, particularly in older adults. This trend highlights the need for updated cardiovascular healthcare strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Valvular heart disease (VHD) poses a significant health burden.
- Understanding trends in VHD causes is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in the prevalence of valvular heart disease in Korea between 2006 and 2011.
- To identify demographic shifts in VHD causes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Korean National Health Insurance Service data from 2006-2011.
- Included primary diagnoses of non-rheumatic and rheumatic mitral and aortic valve disorders.
- Calculated age-standardized cumulative prevalence rates.
Main Results:
- Non-rheumatic VHD prevalence rose from 70.6 to 110.3 per 100,000 persons.
- Prevalence increased in both women (42.2 to 65.2) and men (28.4 to 45.1).
- The most significant increase was observed in individuals aged 65 and older.
Conclusions:
- Non-rheumatic VHD prevalence increased notably between 2006 and 2011, especially in the elderly population.
- Rheumatic VHD prevalence remained relatively stable.
- Healthcare services require adaptation for an aging population with increasing VHD rates.
Background:
The aim of this study is to assess the changes in the causes of valvular heart disease between 2006 and 2011 in Korea.
Methods:
Data were collected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service from 2006 through 2011. These data consisted of primary diagnoses related to valvular heart disease regardless of other conditions. Valvular heart disease included non-rheumatic mitral valve disorders, non-rheumatic aortic valve disorders, rheumatic mitral valve disorders, and rheumatic aortic valve disorders.
Results:
Overall, the age-standardized cumulative prevalence of non-rheumatic valvular heart disease was 70.6 per 100,000 persons in 2006 and 110.3 in 2011. This represented an increase from 42.2 to 65.2 in women and from 28.4 to 45.1 in men. In particular, there was a greater increase in prevalence in patients aged 65 years or older compared with groups aged 20-44 years or 45-64 years for both genders. The age-standardized cumulative prevalence of rheumatic valve disease did not change dramatically between 2006 and 2011.
Conclusions:
The overall age-standardized cumulative prevalence of non-rheumatic valvular heart diseases increased between 2006 and 2011, especially in individuals older than 65 years. These changes should be considered in future designs of cardiovascular healthcare services in countries with a rapidly aging population.
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