Grant: Operating Grant

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is becoming more common among the First Nations population in Canada, resulting in an increasing burden of illness and death. Hospital admission rates for CVD are stable or declining for the Caucasian population, while they are steadily increasing for the First Nations population. In addition mortality secondary to CVD is also increasing in the First Nations population, with CVD the leading cause of death in this patient population. Reasons for the increasing burden of CVD among the First Nations population are not entirely clear, although factors including access to specialized cardiac care and procedures, as well as quality of cardiac care, have been suggested as contributing. No studies have been undertaken to determine if there are differences in access to and quality of cardiac care for First Nations compared to non-First Nations people. This study will determine if differences in cardiac care exist for First Nations compared to non-First Nations people by exploring access to specialized cardiac care and invasive cardiac procedures. It will also begin to address issues of quality of care by looking at differences in markers of quality care aimed at reducing the risk of vascular disease.