Prevalence of heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction in China: the China Hypertension Survey, 2012–2015

Background Heart failure (HF) is a major health burden worldwide. However, there is no nationwide epidemiological data on HF in China after 2000. The aims of this study are (i) to determine the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and HF (with reduced, mid‐range, and preserved ejection fraction) in a nationally representative Chinese population, and (ii) to investigate the treatment and control of hypertension in HF patients. Methods and results Data from the China Hypertension Survey (CHS) and 22 158 participants were eligible for analysis in this study. For each participant, a self‐reported history of HF and any other cardiovascular diseases was acquired. Two‐dimensional and Doppler echocardiography was used to assess LV dysfunction. Overall, 1.3% (estimated 13.7 million) of the Chinese adult population aged ≥35 years had HF, 1.4% of participants had LV systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <50%), and 2.7% were graded as having ‘moderate’ or ‘severe’ LV diastolic dysfunction. The weighted prevalence of HF was similar between urban and rural residents (1.6% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.266), and between men and women (1.4% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.632). In addition, among HF patients with hypertension, 57.7% received antihypertensive medication, and 14.5% had their blood pressure controlled <140/90 mmHg. Conclusions In summary, there was an increase in the prevalence of HF, and LV dysfunction was very common in China. However, treatment and control of hypertension in participants with HF were low. Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR‐ECS‐14004641.