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Prevalence of coronary heart disease in Kin-Chen, Kinmen
C H Chen1, J H Chuang, H S Kuo
1Division of Cardiology, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Insights
This study investigated coronary heart disease (CHD) prevalence in Kinmen, finding higher possible CHD rates in women. Long-term military stress may contribute to elevated CHD prevalence and ECG abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) poses a significant global health burden.
- Assessing CHD prevalence in isolated populations under unique geopolitical conditions is crucial for understanding environmental and lifestyle impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in Kinmen, Taiwan, using electrocardiogram (ECG) criteria, a chest pain questionnaire, and medical history.
- To explore potential associations between CHD prevalence, demographic factors, and the long-term effects of military control.
Main Methods:
- A population-based survey was conducted in Kinmen, including 3826 residents aged over 30.
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) was assessed using the Minnesota code from 12-lead resting electrocardiograms, the Rose chest pain questionnaire, and self-reported medical history.
- Prevalence rates for probable and possible CHD were calculated and compared between men and women.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of probable CHD was similar in men (4.1%) and women (4.0%).
- Possible CHD prevalence was significantly higher in women (21.4%) compared to men (11.6%).
- Abnormal ECG findings were associated with several CHD risk factors, particularly in women. Rose angina and self-reported angina/myocardial infarction prevalence were low.
Conclusions:
- The elevated prevalence of possible CHD, especially in women, may be linked to long-term stress from military control.
- Electrocardiographic abnormalities show potential associations with CHD risk factors in this population.
- Further longitudinal studies are necessary to establish the predictive value of ECG abnormalities for cardiovascular outcomes in Kinmen.
Abstract:
We estimated the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) by the Minnesota code of a 12-lead resting electrocardiogram, Rose chest pain questionnaire and self-reported previous medical history in Kin-Chen, Kinmen (Quemoy), an island under military control for 40 years and the focal point of confrontation between mainland China and Taiwan. Among the target population of 6346 who accounted for all residents aged over 30, 3826 (60.3%) responded with complete data. The prevalence of probable CHD (Minnesota code 1.1-1.2) was 4.1% (71/1732) in men and 4.0% (84/2094) in women, whereas the prevalence of possible CHD (Minnesota code 1.3, 4.1-4.4, 5.1-5.3 and 7.1.1) was significantly higher in women (21.4%) than in men (11.6%). When compared to Chinese populations elsewhere, the increased overall prevalence may suggest a link to long-term stress conditions under military control. We also found the abnormal ECG was associated with many risk factors of CHD, particularly win women. The prevalence of Rose angina and self-reported angina or myocardial infarction was, however, low and associated poorly with any cardiovascular risk factors. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to determine the predictive value of these electrocardiographic abnormalities for cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in this population.