OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence and possible risk factors of senile degenerated heart valvular disease (SDHVD) among military elderly in Beijing.

METHODS820 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.

RESULTSThe 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.

CONCLUSIONThe 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.