Stress and Worry are Central issues for Indigenous Heart Attack Survivors in the Northern Territory

Abstract

Ischaemic heart disease impacts heavily on the Indigenous population of the Northern Territory, and late presentation may explain part of the mortality differential compared to the non-Indigenous population. We report here on a study that utilised qualitative interview techniques to explore the barriers to presentation in a group of Indigenous heart attack survivors. In particular we focused on their health beliefs, heart attack experiences and views on the health system. Stress and worry were frequently identified issues - as a perceived cause of heart disease, and as a complicating factor in managing heart disease. Practitioners working with Indigenous heart attack survivors need to explicitly identify and address stress-related issues, and preventive community programs need to recognise that heart disease and stress are intimately related, with heart disease often seen as a symbol of contemporary social problems and uncertain community direction.