Prevalence and modifiable risk factors of degenerative valvular heart disease among elderly population in southern China

 Objective To investigate the prevalence and modifiable risk factors of degenerative valvular heart disease (DVHD) among elderly population in southern China.

 Methods A stratified multistage sampling method was used to recruit subjects. The contents of the survey included the questionnaire, laboratory examination, echocardiography, and other auxiliary examinations. The possible risk factors of DVHD were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.

 Results A total of 3538 subjects ≥ 65 years of age were enrolled. One thousand three hundred and seven subjects (36.9%) were diagnosed with DVHD. Degenerative was the most common etiology of VHD. Prevalence of DVHD increased with advancing age. The prevalence of DVHD differed by living region (χ² = 45.594, P < 0.001), educational level (χ² = 50.557, P < 0.001), and occupation (χ² = 36.961, P < 0.001). Risk factors associated with DVHD included age (two-fold increased risk for each 10-year increase in age), elevated level C-reactive protein (OR = 1.346, 95% CI: 1.100−1.646), elevated level low density lipoprotein (OR = 1.243, 95% CI: 1.064−1.451), coronary artery disease (OR = 1.651, 95% CI: 1.085−2.513), smoking (OR = 1.341, 95% CI: 1.132−1.589), and hypertension (OR = 1.414, 95% CI: 1.221−1.638). Other significant risk factors included reduced or elevated level red blood cell (OR = 1.347, 95% CI: 1.031−1.761; OR = 1.599, 95% CI: 1.097−2.331; respectively), elevated level platelets (OR = 1.891, 95% CI: 1.118−3.198), elevated level uric acid (OR = 1.282, 95% CI: 1.112−1.479), and stroke (OR: 1.738, 95% CI = 1.085−2.513).

 Conclusions The survey characterized the baseline conditions of DVHD cohort of elderly population in Guangzhou city. The established and emerging risk factors for DVHD may represent challenges and opportunities for therapy.