To the Editor: It has been estimated that “levelling the playing field” in terms of cardiovascular health alone could narrow the life-expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by 6.5 years.1 While there has been a particular (and important) focus on risk factor modification, and prevention and management of chronic disease, it is worth noting that, compared with other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have: •three times the rate of major coronary events •higher death rates from coronary heart disease both in and out of hospital •lower rates of coronary angiography, angioplasty and bypass surgery2 •a greater likelihood of adverse outcomes in the 2 years after discharge.3