Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be one of the largest burdens of disease for New Zealanders. Though more people are surviving acute events, CVD is still responsible for 40% of deaths – often premature and preventable – in New Zealand. CVD causes 32% of global deaths.
Pioneering Research at the University of Canterbury
New technology out of the Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, the University of Canterbury, aims to reduce this death toll. Accounting and IT senior lecturer Dr Claris Chung spent time as a data analyst, where she saw serious outcomes for patients suffering from hypertensive disorders such as stroke, heart attack, pre-eclampsia, and heart failure.
Dr Chung is developing a cardiovascular symptom assessment system, which patients can access through an app, as part of her broader mission to create effective digital health solutions. Her area of focus is creating technology to support sustainable healthy heart practices, including habit logging, health-centric shopping and health education games.
She says equipping the healthcare system with advanced technology would have profound impacts: “Improved patient outcomes, reduced delays in seeking medical help, and a more engaged, informed and empowered community able to face cardiovascular issues head-on.”
Early Intervention and Pre-Eclampsia Research
Dr Chung says intervening early is the key to radically improving outcomes for CVD patients. “Our goal is to develop a cardiovascular symptom assessment tool that enables patients to evaluate their symptoms early and seek medical assistance in the critical ‘golden hours’.”
The research team’s first focus is pre-eclampsia, a serious condition affecting up to 10% of pregnancies. Pre-eclampsia increases the patient’s blood pressure, which can damage vital organs, such as the kidney and liver. Left untreated, it can lead to serious or even fatal complications for both mother and baby.
Dr Chung says the focus on pre-eclampsia was driven by its critical need for timely diagnosis and intervention. “By understanding the specific needs of this condition, our research can begin addressing other hypertensive disorders.”
The Role of Technology in Early Detection
Her team’s research, funded by the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation, has identified the technology most useful for early intervention. The results include real-time alerts for clinicians, education for patients, and an integrated patient system so that health files are all in one place, amongst other critical technology needs.
Not only does Dr Chung’s research aim to address gaps in early symptom assessment and support paramedics in delivering prompt care, but it also creates a valuable opportunity to collect real-time symptom data at their onset—a critical yet largely missing component in symptom studies. By increasing health literacy and improving patient outcomes, the research ultimately strives to save lives.
The Global Impact of Cardiovascular Disease
The Urgent Need for Action
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says CVD, which refers to all diseases of the heart and circulation, is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives every year – about a third of all global deaths.
A world without CVD is possible, yet millions of lives are prematurely lost to heart disease yearly. Recent research from the American College of Cardiology found an urgent need for public health strategies for global action. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, dietary risks and air pollution remain the leading causes of cardiovascular disease.
“Cardiovascular diseases are a persistent challenge that leads to an enormous number of premature and preventable deaths,” said Gregory A. Roth, MD, MPH, senior author of the paper and associate professor in the Division of Cardiology.
“There are many inexpensive, effective treatments. We know what risk factors we need to identify and treat. There are simple healthy choices that people can make to improve their health. This atlas provides detailed information on where countries stand in their efforts to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases.”
Improving Heart Health Equity
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, says a significant disparity between Māori and non-Māori access to primary care services and risk assessments remains. An equity focus for assessment coverage and risk management is therefore imperative. This gap is largely due to barriers to accessing healthcare, differences in treatment quality, and the impact of long-standing economic and social inequities. Many encounter delays in diagnosis, fewer opportunities for early intervention, and lower rates of follow-up care, all of which contribute to preventable deaths.
Socioeconomic status plays a key role. Those living in poverty are more likely to face risk factors such as poor nutrition, high stress, and limited access to primary healthcare. When medical attention is required, financial constraints and logistical challenges, including transportation and long wait times, often deter people from seeking timely treatment. The system, designed with a one-size-fits-all approach, fails to account for these barriers, leaving vulnerable populations at a disadvantage.
The Role of Systemic Change
New Zealand’s healthcare system has historically struggled to provide equitable care, particularly when it comes to preventive measures and early intervention. Institutional bias and systemic racism see Māori and Pacific patients frequently reporting experiences of discrimination and feeling unheard by healthcare professionals. Research has shown that Māori patients are less likely to be prescribed life-saving medications, referred for specialist care, or receive timely surgeries compared to non-Māori with the same conditions.
Further, public health campaigns often fail to reach the communities most at risk. Generic messaging about diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes does not always resonate with those facing financial hardship or living in environments where healthy choices are limited. Without culturally appropriate health promotion strategies, engagement remains low, and critical prevention efforts miss their mark.
Heart health is shaped by far more than medical care. Housing quality, employment opportunities, education, and access to affordable, nutritious food all contribute to cardiovascular outcomes. Overcrowded or damp housing, common in lower-income communities, increases stress and exacerbates conditions like high blood pressure, which raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Job insecurity and financial stress also take a toll, making it more difficult for individuals to prioritise their health.
Traditional approaches to heart disease prevention often focus on individual responsibility, but this overlooks the broader environment that influences health behaviours. If a person’s daily reality includes working long hours in a physically demanding job, struggling to afford food, or caring for multiple dependents, heart health may not be their immediate priority. Solutions must go beyond personal choices and address the systemic conditions that make healthy living unattainable for many.
