The prevalence of cardiopulmonary symptoms among Chinese older adults in the greater Chicago area

Background. Cardiovascular and pulmonary symptoms influence health and well-being among older adults. However, minority aging populations are often underrepresented in most studies on cardiovascular and pulmonary symptoms. This study aims to examine the prevalence of cardiovascular and pulmonary symptoms among U.S. Chinese older adults. Methods. Data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly study, a population-based survey of U.S. Chinese older adults in the Greater Chicago area. Guided by a community-based participatory research approach, a total of 3,159 Chinese older adults aged 60 and above were surveyed. Clinical Review of Systems was used to assess participants' perceptions of their cardiovascular and pulmonary symptoms. Results. Cardiovascular symptoms (31.6%) and pulmonary symptoms (42.2%) were commonly experienced by U.S. Chinese older adults. Symptoms such as cough (27.4%), sputum production (22.7%), chest pain or discomfort (16.3%), shortness of breath at rest (15.1%), and shortness of breath with activity (12.9%) were commonly reported. Older age, lower income, fewer years residing in the community, poorer self-perceived health status and quality of life, and worsened health over the last year were associated with report of any cardiovascular or pulmonary symptom. Conclusions. Cardiovascular and pulmonary symptoms are common among Chinese older adults in the U.S. Future longitudinal research is needed to examine changes in Chinese older adults' burden of cardiopulmonary symptoms and their health and well-being.