By tf-lawyer.com During an interview with reporter Zhang Ni on September 29, Guo Yingqiang, the deputy director of West China Hospital of Sichuan University and chief cardiac surgeon, highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive training in the medical field. “We have access to many advanced devices, but if technicians cannot use them accurately to diagnose or detect diseases, they become ineffective,” he remarked.
Recently, in Beijing, the “Joint Efforts to Safeguard Heart Valve Health” campaign, supported by the People’s Daily Health Client and guided by the Chinese Society of Geriatrics and Geriatric Medicine, sought to understand patients’ genuine needs and elevate the standards of care in the industry.
The event brought to light some troubling trends: with China’s aging population on the rise, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases is also escalating, and valve diseases have emerged as one of the most prevalent heart conditions. These issues often develop quietly, resulting in a high rate of misdiagnosis and a low rate of treatment.
Zhou Qing, the executive director of cardiac surgery at Nanjing Gulou Hospital, offered alarming statistics: “Valve disease now constitutes the largest segment of cardiovascular surgeries, yet the overall treatment rate is still lacking. For patients with moderate to severe valve conditions, the surgical intervention rate hovers around 47%. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of their health issues, which means even fewer seek treatment than the numbers suggest.”
As a valve disease patient himself, Zhou shared his perspective on the treatment journey: “With average life expectancy increasing, the number of people suffering from heart valve diseases will inevitably rise. For these patients, successful surgery should ensure a quick return to their feet, minimal damage, rapid recovery, and a longer, healthier life free from burdens—especially crucial for younger patients facing these conditions. To achieve this, it’s essential for physicians to consider the individual circumstances of their patients and for patients to effectively communicate their health concerns, allowing both parties to work together on the best treatment plan.”
Recent technological advancements and innovative approaches have significantly improved the prognosis for valve disease patients. However, there is still a pressing need for collaborative efforts to enhance clinical treatment standards, quality, and efficiency in China, with the ultimate goal of improving patients’ quality of life.
Guo emphasized that diagnosing heart valve diseases is not inherently complex; it simply requires specialized echocardiographic equipment. “Ideally, community hospitals should be equipped to perform standardized echocardiographic screenings,” he suggested.
He called for improved training for primary care doctors, noting, “Currently, most training for grassroots and even community physicians is primarily focused on preventive measures for cardiovascular diseases. In reality, early diagnosis and treatment are equally important.”
Zhong Shunhe, senior vice president and general manager of Edwards Lifesciences Greater China, stated, “Given the significant unmet needs of heart valve disease patients, we aim to introduce more globally recognized innovative technologies and solutions to China. At the same time, we will continue collaborating with various stakeholders to encourage patients to become more active participants in their treatment processes, thereby enhancing the industry’s diagnostic capabilities and benefiting more patients while collectively advancing healthcare in China.”
