Study to Investigate High Rates of Heart Disease Among Fijian Kiwis

A world-leading study has been launched in New Zealand to investigate why many Fijian Kiwis are developing heart disease at young ages, with some suffering fatal heart attacks as early as their 20s.

According to a 1News report, despite making up only 2% of New Zealand’s population, Fijians account for 20% of heart attack and angina cases in people under 40.

Many victims are reportedly healthy and active before being struck by the disease.

University of Otago scientists believe a genetic link may be responsible and have begun recruiting participants under 55 with a history of premature heart disease. The study will analyze DNA and blood samples over the next two years to determine potential hereditary risk factors.

Dr. Pritika Narayan, a Fijian researcher leading the study, shared how the issue has personally impacted her family. “Two of my first cousins became young widows where their husbands died of cardiac arrest at home,” she told 1News.

Similar cases have been reported in Fijian communities across New Zealand. Nathan Singh, a participant in the study, recalled how his father suffered from heart complications for years before undergoing a quadruple bypass surgery.

“The day before he actually had his surgery, the surgeon came in and said, ‘your arteries are 99% blocked, you are very lucky to be alive,’” Singh told 1News.

Experts suspect that an inherited trait that once helped Fijians survive famines may now be causing excessive fat accumulation in arteries due to changing diets and lifestyles. Dr. Narayan explained, “A trait that enabled our ancestors to store fat in atypical regions for survival is now leading to premature heart attacks.”

The study officially commenced in Newtown, Wellington, on Sunday, with hopes that its findings will help prevent early heart disease deaths among Fijian communities in New Zealand.

Source: 1News