Echocardiographic detection of heart valve disease in a community cohort of asymptomatic Australians > 65 years with cardiovascular risk factors. (15th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: D'Elia, Nicholas; Gall, Seana; Potter, Elizabeth; Wright, Leah; Yang, Hilda; Marwick, Thomas H.
• Is Part Of: International journal of cardiology. Volume 373(2023)
• Page Start: 107
• Page End: 109
• Publication Date: 2023-02-15
• Subjects: Valvular heart disease -- Prevalence -- Aortic stenosis -- Mitral regurgitation; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.11.045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-5273

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Valvular heart disease is becoming an increasingly prevalent with population ageing. We sought to define the current prevalence of valvular heart disease in Australia. Methods: The TasELF and VicELF studies prospectively recruited 962 asymptomatic participants ≥65 years, with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, from the Tasmanian and Victorian communities. People were excluded if they had a previous diagnosis of heart failure, or a life expectancy <1 year. All underwent baseline echocardiography. Those with moderate or severe valvular disease were identified. The current prevalence of clinically significant valve disease was applied to the Australian Bureau of Statistics population projections. Results: Echocardiograms were interpretable in 943 participants (98%). Clinically significant valve disease was present in 5% of the population, and mitral regurgitation was the most common overall valvular lesion, present in 36% of the population. The projected numbers of people with clinically significant valvular disease is expected to increase significantly across all age groups by the year 2060. Conclusions: Clinically significant yet asymptomatic valvular disease was prevalent in a large community cohort of participants with at least one risk factor. The total burden of valvular heart disease is expected to increase dramatically over the coming decades. Highlights: Valvular Heart Disease is a very prevalent form of cardiac disease. Aortic Stenosis and Mitral regurgitation are the most common forms of valvular heart disease. The burden of valvular heart disease is likely to exponentially increase over the coming decades.