Heart disease is the most common cause of death and disability in the developed world. In New Zealand, coronary heart disease is the most common form of cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease, stroke and blood vessel disease). Each day approximately 17 New Zealanders (one every 90 minutes) die as the result of coronary heart disease. It is the leading single cause of death in New Zealand, accounting for almost one quarter of all deaths.
Overall, Māori and Pasifika patients are more at risk of suffering from coronary heart disease. This funded service will provide free access to Electrocardiograms (ECG) and Exercise Tolerance Tests (ETT) to high risk population groups, who cannot afford to pay for this service in primary care; with a focus on prevention and early detection of heart problems. |