What can be done to address the disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease particularly among Māori?

Cardiovascular disease mortality rates for Māori is more than twice as high as that of non-Māori.¹

61% of Māori deaths from CVD are premature (before the age of 75) compared to 22% for non-Māori². Heart disease is a disease of middle age for Māori.

• A conference being held in Wellington in June aims to come up with a series of recommendations and a five year plan that will improve cardiovascular health among Māori and other ethnic groups.
  
• Helping to lead the way is the Heart Foundation which has partnered with the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) to support its 3rd Indigenous Cardiovascular Health Conference
  
• As part of its programme of work, the Heart Foundation is committed to addressing the high rates of cardiovascular disease particularly among Māori.
  

As part of its support of the Conference, the Heart Foundation is holding a special session on cardiovascular disease prevention which will include four New Zealand keynote speakers who specialise in this area.
- Nga Pou o Rongo: community driven CVD risk reduction

Anna Rolleston

- Mental health and heart disease

Ruth Cunningham

- Ethnic specific cardiovascular risk prediction scores

Katrina Poppe (senior fellow)

- Community programmes to improve heart health

Willem Jordaan

The conference is being held in: Wellington 12-13 June
At the Intercontinental Hotel http://www.ich2019.com/

The Heart Foundation discussion session will take place on:
Wednesday 12 June 1.30 to 3 p.m.

References:
1. Ministry of Health

https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/populations/maori-health/tatau-kahukura-maori-health-statistics/nga-mana-hauora-tutohu-health-status-indicators/cardiovascular-disease

2. Ministry of Health. 2018. Mortality 2016 data tables.