[A pilot survey of the main causes of chronic heart failure in patients treated in primary hospitals in China].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this investigation is to make clear the main causes of chronic heart failure (CHF) in patients who receive management in primary hospitals in China and to provide scientific evidence for the prevention of CHF in primary hospitals in China.

METHODS

The first three main causes of CHF were determined in the way of answering questionnaires by local doctors from 2066 local hospitals (from one hospital at least one doctor) in 17 areas, we got 2100 pieces of valid answer. Input these forms to computer 2 times, check repeatedly till being sure that there were no mistakes in them and then make statistics with SPSS soft kit.

RESULTS

In primary hospitals in our country, the first three main causes of CHF are coronary heart disease, hypertension and rheumatic heart disease. In some places chronic pulmonary heart disease is also a main cause of CHF in primary hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

The primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and hypertension is certainly important in the prevention of CHF, but it is equally important to prevent rheumatic heart disease and chronic pulmonary heart disease.