Prevalence of Modifiable Risk Factors in First-Presentation ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients in Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand, Over a 5-Year Period in Māori and Non-Māori Populations

Abstract

The prevalence of modifiable risk factors is known to be changing in some first-presentation ST elevation myocardial infarction cohorts worldwide. Many studies have noted an increase in patients without modifiable risk factors. This study aimed to assess the risk factors in first-presentation ST elevation myocardial infarction patients in Christchurch, New Zealand, over a 5-year period in Māori and Non-Māori populations. Data were extracted from the ANZACS-QI database from 1 January 2017 to 1 January 2023, for patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction presenting to Christchurch Hospital. Patients with prior cardiovascular disease were excluded. Prevalence of smoking, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, and no modifiable risk factors were analysed using a two-proportion z-test. Of 1,138 patients, 66 were Māori. There was high prevalence of modifiable risk factors present with a disproportionately high rate of smoking among Māori (z=5.7; p<0.001). A total of 6.9% of the patients had no modifiable risk factors, with no significant difference found between Māori and Non-Māori (z=–0.29; p=0.2). Modifiable risk factors were still highly prevalent in this first ST elevation myocardial infarction population. Whilst risk factors such as smoking are declining in the general population, they remain highly prevalent in this group and disproportionally higher in Māori, likely contributing to health inequities. The proportion of patients who have no modifiable risk factors is relatively small.