New research is examining the role a certain hormone could play in the poor state of cardiovascular health in Pacific communities.
Pacific people die of cardiovascular illness at a higher rate than other communities, and research often looks at factors based around diet and lifestyle.
Otago University physiologist , Associate Professor Daryl Schwenke, says those factors play a role, but there are often other reasons, too.
He's looking at the hormone ghrelin, which is a key player in regulating appetite.
Dr Schwenke told Jamie Tahana that Pacific people have higher levels of ghrelin than others, which could explain a higher disposition.
Photo: Supplied
