New approach targets hidden coronary disease in Indigenous people

Key points

• Researchers at Royal North Shore Hospital and the University of Sydney have unveiled a world-first screening program aimed at finding hidden heart disease early. It uses a simple blood test through the GP, with extension to rural, remote and First Nations communities a core goal.
• First Nations adults experience coronary artery disease and heart attacks at 2.8 times the rate of non-Indigenous adults. The NORTH Foundation has launched an $8 million appeal to bring the program into everyday care.
• Professor Gemma Figtree said early detection could prevent heart attacks.