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First Nations peoples at earlier risk of atrial fibrillation
Professor Ben Freedman, Group Leader of the Heart Rhythm and Stroke Prevention Group at HRI, and collaborators have published research confirming a clear pattern between the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and First Nations peoples, which includes Native Americans, Aboriginal Australians, and Māori and Pacific people in New Zealand. All experience higher levels of AF at an earlier age, which increases their risk of stroke.
Cardiovascular diseases have a high burden that sees a greater proportion of the population suffer from conditions such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and heart failure, and therefore go on to experience a higher mortality rate. AF is another of the cardiovascular morbidities that is seen in a greater proportion and at an earlier age. In Aboriginal Australians, for example, there is a much higher risk of stroke than in those of European origin when AF occurs below the age of 50.