Epidemiology of Valvular Heart Disease in Asia Pacific Region
Chak-Yu So, Jonathan Yap, Guangyuan Song, Karl Poon, Shih‐Hsien Sung, Mann Chandavimol, Kentaro Hayashida, Duk‐Woo Park, See-Hooi Ewe, Mi Chen, Vyanne Hei-tung Chan, Juri Iwata, Tarinee Tangcharoen, Paul Jie Wen Tern, Han-Su Park, Mirvat Alasnag, Yohei Ohno, Jimmy Kim Fatt Hon, Rohan Bhagwandeen, Minoru Tabata, Alex Pui‐Wai Lee, Hasan Jilaihawi, Dee Dee Wang, Gilbert H.L. Tang, D. Scott Lim, Thomas Modine, Yat-Yin Lam
Abstract
Valvular heart disease poses a significant health burden in the Asia-Pacific region, with its epidemiology varying widely across countries caused by diverse socioeconomic and health care situations. Rheumatic heart disease remains prevalent, especially in low- to middle-income areas, while degenerative valvular diseases are emerging in developed regions caused by an aging population. Significant disparities in access to health care and intervention result in variable clinical outcomes. In the past decade, transcatheter interventions have revolutionized the management of patients with valvular heart disease globally. In the Asia-Pacific region, the uptake and development of transcatheter valvular interventions has been slow until recent years. Continued collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region is essential to mitigate the impact of the upcoming surge of valvular heart disease in this diverse and rapidly changing area.