694 Coronary Dimensions and Plaque Characteristics in Indigenous Australians Undergoing Computed Tomography

Abstract

2-VASc score 2 (89.8% vs 71.8%, p,0.001). Of patients with a CHA 2 DS 2-VASc score 2, Indigenous patients were less likely than non-Indigenous patients to be prescribed an anticoagulant (34.1% vs 58.4%, p,0.001) and were more likely to be prescribed antiplatelet medication without an anticoagulant (54.2% vs 29.9%, p,0.001). Of patients with a CHA 2 DS 2-VASc score of 1 or 0, there was no significant difference in the rates of prescription of an anticoagulant, antiplatelet alone or neither. Conclusions: Despite having higher risk profiles, Indigenous patients are less likely to be prescribed anticoagulation in line with current guidelines, and more likely to be prescribed antiplatelet medication. This discrepancy in atrial fibrillation management may be contributing to the increased morbidity and mortality of Indigenous Australians.