Current status of valvular heart diseases in Xinjiang: an epidemiological study on Han, Uygur and Kazkh ethnic populations

Abstract

To investigate the prevalence and epidemiological features of valvular heart disease (VHD) adult populations with different ethnicities in Xinjiang. A total of 14 618 adults aged 35 or older were surveyed. Random sampling was employed to study valvular heart diseases in different age, gender and ethnic groups. Samples were collected from 7 localities (Urumqi, Ke lamayi, Fukang, Turfan Basin, Hetian, Altay, Yili Hazakh Autonomous Prefecture) in 23 municipalities and 5 autonomous counties in Xinjiang. The proportion of male to female accounted for 50% each. The overall prevalence of valvular heart diseases was 7.67% (male: 7.31% vs. female: 8.00%). The prevalence rates of valvular heart diseases were 10.57%, 2.36% and 12.22% in Han, Uygur and Kazakh populations, respectively. The prevalence of valvular heart diseases was lower in Uygur than in Hazak and Han ethnic populations (χ(2) = 3.90, P = 0.000). Complications related to valvular heart diseases would include hypertension (63.20%), diabetes (7.60%), coronary heart disease (7.50%) and fibrillation atrial (3.20%). The prevalence of valvular heart diseases had a substantial increase, parallel with age. Differences were seen on the prevalence rates of VHD among ethnic populations.