Related Experiment Videos
Cardiovascular symptoms, electrocardiographic abnormalities, and associated risk factors in an elderly Chinese
Insights
This study found coronary heart disease prevalence in Hong Kong
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Cardiovascular Epidemiology
- Public Health and Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant health concern in aging populations globally.
- Understanding CVD prevalence and risk factors in diverse elderly ethnic groups is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
- Limited data exists on the specific burden of ischemic heart disease among the elderly Chinese population in Hong Kong.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of angina, possible myocardial infarction, and electrocardiographic abnormalities in elderly Chinese (70+ years) in Hong Kong.
- To investigate the association between cardiovascular risk factors and these conditions in the studied population.
- To compare findings with elderly Caucasian populations.
Main Methods:
- A subsample of 197 elderly Chinese subjects (70+ years) from a larger health survey in Hong Kong participated.
- Data collection included the WHO cardiovascular questionnaire for symptoms and Minnesota Coding for electrocardiographic abnormalities.
- Prevalence was assessed using Whitehall Criteria for probable and possible ischemic heart disease, and defined coronary heart disease criteria.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of coronary heart disease was 26% in men and 27% in women.
- Prevalence of probable ischemic heart disease was 6% (men) and 7% (women); possible disease was 23% (men) and 25% (women).
- Abnormalities increased with age; higher socioeconomic status and lower HDL cholesterol were identified as associated risk factors.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of coronary heart disease in elderly Chinese in Hong Kong is comparable to Caucasian populations.
- Few modifiable risk factors were identified in this elderly cohort (70+ years).
- Further research into specific risk factors and prevention strategies for this demographic is warranted.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of angina and possible infarct (WHO cardiovascular questionnaire) and electrocardiographic abnormalities (Minnesota Coding) in elderly Chinese subjects aged 70+ years living in Hong Kong, and the association with some cardiovascular risk factors. A subsample of 197 subjects (96 men, 101 women) selected according to geographical area from a territory-wide health survey consisting of 2032 elderly subjects selected by an age and sex stratified random sampling method was studied. Overall, 7% of men and 9% of women had symptoms suggestive of angina, while 6% of men and 4% of women had symptoms suggestive of possible infarct. There were fewer symptoms in the 80+ age group. Forty-two percent of men and 35% of women had normal electrocardiograms. The prevalence of probable ischaemic heart disease (using the Whitehall Criteria) was 6% for men and 7% for women, while the figures for possible disease were 23% and 25%, respectively. The percentage with abnormalities increased with age. The prevalence of coronary heart disease defined by the presence of symptoms, a history of known disease plus use of medication, and electrocardiographic abnormalities suggestive of probable disease, was 26% for men and 27% for women. These findings were comparable with studies in elderly Caucasian populations. Only a higher socioeconomic grouping and lower HDL cholesterol were identified as associated risk factors. It is concluded that the prevalence of coronary heart disease in the elderly Chinese population in Hong Kong is at least as high in Caucasian populations, and few modifiable risk factors were identified in the elderly aged 70 years and over.