Cardiovascular disease risk assessment in an Aboriginal community-controlled health service: comparing algorithms
Xavier Fitzgerald A C , Ana Herceg A B , Kirsty Douglas A B and Nadeem Siddiqui A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah, ACT 2604, Australia.
B The Australian National University Medical School Campus, The Canberra Hospital, Building 4, Hospital Road, Garran, ACT 2605, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: xjfitzgerald32@gmail.com
Australian Journal of Primary Health 26(4) 281-286 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY19216
Submitted: 6 November 2019 Accepted: 24 April 2020 Published: 13 July 2020
Abstract
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The National Vascular Disease Prevention Alliance (NVDPA) CVD risk assessment algorithm is used for all Australians. The Central Australian Rural Practitioners Association (CARPA) algorithm used in the Northern Territory adds five percentage points to all NVDPA risk scores for Indigenous Australians. Information was extracted from an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Service for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander regular clients aged 35–74 years without known CVD (n = 1057). CVD risk scores were calculated using both algorithms. Prescription of lipid-lowering medications was assessed. Clients with high-risk scores were reviewed and recalled if required. CVD risk scores were calculated for 362 (34.4%) clients. Clients with high CVD risk comprised 17.7% (NVDPA) or 23.8% (CARPA), with most determined clinically. Clients with low CVD risk comprised 73.7% (NVDPA) or 47.2% (CARPA). More than 30% of those with high risk were not on lipid-lowering medications. Significant health and social issues affected treatment uptake. It is unclear which algorithm is most applicable; however, this service has decided to continue to use the NVDPA algorithm. Use of CVD risk assessment and management of high-risk clients could be increased in primary care.
Additional keywords: community health care, Indigenous health service, preventive medicine, primary health care, risk management.
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