Echocardiographic detection of heart valve disease in a community cohort of asymptomatic Australians > 65 years with cardiovascular risk factors

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 pop..