There are extensive and inequitable gaps in cardiovascular disease risk assessment and management for Māori and Pacific peoples in New Zealand, according to a systematic review of 69 studies published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2024. Māori and Pacific peoples had reduced adherence to primary prevention medications (antihypertensives and lipid-lowering therapy), were less likely to receive antiplatelets and lipid-lowering therapy for secondary prevention, and had reduced access to revascularisation compared with other ethnic groups. Opportunities to improve cardiovascular disease risk assessment and management included provision of adequate health literacy, involvement of whānau, patient-provider relationships, access to care, and enhanced cultural safety. While 64% of studies included in the review were of high quality as assessed using Mixed Methods Appraisal, 71% were of low quality as assessed using the Consolidated Criteria for Strengthening the Reporting of Health Research involving Indigenous Peoples (CONSIDER), in particular quantitative research and research including but not focusing on Māori and Pacific peoples.
