Incidence of first heart failure hospitalisation and mortality in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal patients in Western Australia, 2000–2009

Abstract Objectives To compare the incidence of first heart failure (HF) hospitalisation, antecedent risk factors and 1-year mortality between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations in Western Australia (2000–2009). Methods A population-based cohort aged 20–84years comprising Aboriginal (n=1013; mean 54±14years) and non-Aboriginal patients (n=16,366; mean 71±11years) with first HF hospitalisation was evaluated. Age and sex-specific incidence rates and HF antecedents were compared between subpopulations. Regression models were used to examine 30-day and 1-year (in 30-day survivors) mortality. Results Aboriginal patients were younger, more likely to reside in rural/remote areas (76% vs 23%) and to be women (50.6% vs 41.7%, all p Ischaemic and rheumatic heart diseases were more common antecedents of HF in younger ( =3) were also more prevalent in younger and older Aboriginal patients (p Conclusions Aboriginal people had substantially higher age and sex-specific HF incidence rate and prevalence of HF antecedents than their non-Aboriginal counterparts. HR for 1-year mortality was also significantly worse at younger ages, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced primary and secondary prevention of HF in this population.