A 13-year study of heart attacks (acute myocardial infarction - AMI) in the Northern Territory has shown survival prospects improving steadily for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations.
A total of 3419 new cases of AMI, or heart attack, in NT residents were identified in the 13-year study period, with 59 per cent of the patients being non-Indigenous.
The findings included -
- A substantial improvement in the outcome after a heart attack in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Among Indigenous people the chance of survival improved by 56 per cent in the time before hospital admission, and by a similar amount after admission.
- For non-Indigenous people there was an improvement in those reaching hospital by 75 per cent during the term of the study.
- While outcomes after a heart attack have improved, the rate of heart attacks among Indigenous Territorians increased 48 per cent during the study period
- For non-Indigenous Territorians the rate of heart attacks decreased 23 per cent in the study period
The incidence of the disease in the Indigenous population rose significantly between 1992 and 2004, highlighting the need for a continued focus on the prevention of ischaemic heart disease by addressing risk factors such as smoking, high cholesterol levels, diabetes and high blood pressure.
One of the authors of the paper, Dr Steven Guthridge, Director, Health Gains Planning, NT Department of Health & Families, said the study provided a comprehensive snapshot of heart attack trends in the NT.
"Heart attacks resulting from ischaemic heart disease (IHD) are a common cause of hospitalisation and death in Australia. This study shows that in the Northern Territory there has been substantial improvement in outcomes for those suffering a heart attack.
"The improvement was a result of both the early recognition and management of heart attacks (for Indigenous Territorians) and ongoing treatment during and after hospital admission (for both groups).
"However, despite improved management, the number of heart attacks continues to increase among Indigenous people. This rise in the rate of heart attacks emphasises the importance of prevention of heart disease - particularly through reduction in tobacco use," Dr Guthridge said.
With the exception of heart attack sufferers who die suddenly, most Australians who experience an attack are admitted to hospital for treatment. This study drew upon data from the five NT public hospitals, which share a single patient-information system. To ensure privacy, the data was de-identified.
* Medical Journal of Australia, Vol 190 No 6, 16 March 2009, pp 298-302.
Media Contact: Darrel Trueman 0401 116 203; Cameron Jackson 0401 116 144
Release date: Tuesday 24 March 2009
