Early Screening Recommended for Indigenous Australians
Indigenous Australians should undergo atrial fibrillation (AF) screening at least 10 years earlier than current guidelines to facilitate stroke prevention and reduce long-term disabilities, according to a new study.
Research published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that Indigenous Australians develop AF approximately 16 years earlier than non-Indigenous Australians, resulting in higher stroke rates at younger ages. AF is a heart rhythm disorder that can cause severe strokes if left undetected.
Current guidelines recommend AF screening starting at age 65. The study, however, advises Indigenous Australians to begin screening from age 55 or even earlier for those at elevated risk. Associate Professor Kylie Gwynne, Director of UNSW’s Co-design Health Research and Innovation group, stated, “Indigenous people in Australia experience stroke at around two to three times the rate of other Australians.”
Need for Early Detection
Dr. Vita Christie from UNSW led the study, which reviewed 24 Australian studies on AF onset and stroke outcomes. The findings indicate that almost half of AF cases in Indigenous Australians occur before age 55. These individuals are less likely to receive recommended treatments, increasing preventable stroke risk.
“Under-treatment adds to the problem of under-diagnosis,” Dr. Christie said. The expert panel behind the study unanimously recommended earlier screening to better align healthcare with risk profiles.
Katrina Ward, CEO of the Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Service, highlighted the ripple effects of stroke on communities, affecting work and caregiving. She emphasised that earlier screening, easily implemented through routine care, could significantly benefit Aboriginal communities.
Associate Professor Gwynne emphasised the need for national leadership to update guidelines, ensuring timely follow-up and culturally responsive care. She encouraged primary care clinicians to conduct opportunistic AF screenings for at-risk patients before age 55.
Medication and lifestyle changes can reduce stroke risk by up to 70%, underscoring the importance of early detection. The study warns that waiting until age 65 to screen misses a critical window for prevention.
The study authors, including cardiologists, epidemiologists, and Aboriginal health leaders, call for healthcare policy reforms to address these disparities and improve health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
