Burden of atrial fibrillation in Māori and Pacific people in New Zealand: a cohort study

2017

Authors

Yulong Gu, Robert N. Doughty, Ben Freedman, John Kennelly, Jim Warren, Matire Harwood, Richard Hulme, Chris Paltridge, Ruth Teh, Anna Rolleston, Natalie Walker

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for ischaemic stroke and cardiovascular events. In New Zealand (NZ), Māori (indigenous New Zealanders) and Pacific people experience higher rates of AF compared with non-Māori/non-Pacific people.

This study aims to describe a primary care population with AF in NZ. Stroke risk and medication adherence according to ethnicity are also detailed. In conclusion - AF screening and stroke thromboprophylaxis in Māori and Pacific people could start below the age of 65 years in NZ.

Publication Link

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imj.13648