An epidemiological study on degenerated heart valvular diseases among military elderly population in Beijing

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and possible risk factors of senile degenerated heart valvular disease (SDHVD) among military elderly in Beijing. METHODS: 820 individuals, aged 60 or above,are randomly selected from 8202 individuals, in 21 military retirement centers in Beijing. Each individual answers a questionnaire and receives Doppler echocardiographic examination for an observation of the cardiac structure, function and valve condition. A logistic regression analysis is also made to identify possible risk factors and their powers on the prevalence of SDHVD. RESULTS: The prevalence ratio of SDHVD by means of ultrasonic checks among military elderly in Beijing is 13.4%. Among them, the prevalence ratio of SDHVD for age groups of 60-, 70-, and 80 or above are 7.7%, 16.1%, 25.7% respectively. Data from logistic regression shows the following results that SDHVD risk factors include age, hypertention, hyperlipemia, stroke and cadiovascular family history. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SDHVD among the military elderly in Beijing rises with the increase of age. SDHVD risk factors include age, hypertention, hyperlipemia, stroke and cadiovascular family history.