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JUNE 26, 2000

A study published by the Canadian Archives of Internal Medicine says the heart disease rate of Natives in Ontario is twice that of the average population in the province.

The rate of heart attacks, acute angina and related conditions among natives rose from 76 per 10,000 persons in 1984 to 155 per 10,000 persons in 1997. The province average of 82.

The study's authors say the rise is due to the impact of a non-Native diet, including processed meats, fried foods, and tobacco.

In 1998, scientists at Robarts Research Institute found a gene common to Ontario aboriginals which they believe helped native store energy efficiently. They believe this gene affects metabolism, preventing the ability to convert fats and carbohydrates into energy.

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Native heart disease doubles (The National Post 6/26)