Prevalence, spectrum and aetiology of valvular heart disease based on community echocardiographic screening transition from different altitudes in Yunnan, China

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Abstract
Background The burden of valvular heart disease (VHD) is rising rapidly globally, accompanied by substantial geographical disparities. Although altitude may influence cardiovascular system, no community-based studies have yet explored altitudinal differences in VHD epidemiology. Objective This study aims to investigate the prevalence, spectrum and aetiology of VHD in different altitude areas. Methods We conducted two sequential community-based echocardiography screening programmes in Yunnan Province of China and included 5059 eligible participants aged 35 years and older. The multivariable Poisson regression models with robust variance were performed to assess the association of different altitude groups with VHD and its subtypes. Results The prevalence of overall VHD, clinically significant VHD and clinically significant regurgitant VHD was 36.7%, 2.5% and 2.4%, respectively. After stratification by altitude, the prevalence of any VHD among participants in the Conclusions Adults living at high altitudes have a higher prevalence risk of VHD; significant altitudinal differences exist in the characteristics and aetiology of VHD. The findings could provide insights into primary prevention and early screening for VHD in low- and middle-income countries where a majority of the population lives at high altitudes.
Funding Information
  • National key project of research and development plan (2022YFC2503400)
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (82460073)
  • Major Science and Technology Special Plan Project of Yunnan Province (202302AA310045)
  • Yunnan Province Science and Technology Department (202103AC100004, 202103AF140002)

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