Metabolomics in cardiovascular risk assessment with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Professor Alex Brown, The Australian National University

2023 Vanguard Grant - Two Year

Years funded: 2024 - 2025

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are inequitably burdened by heart disease, particularly at young ages. Currently, the tools we have to assess the likelihood that someone will develop heart disease are not reliable for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Metabolites are small molecules needed to change food into energy by the body. This study explores whether there are metabolites that indicate greater risk of heart disease for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. By finding new risk 'flags', we can improve the way we identify and manage risk for for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, potentially leading to low-cost heart health screening and early diagnosis.