THE medical specialists from New Zealand say the treatment of coronary arteries disease is Fiji's biggest burden.
Doctor Patrick Kay, an international cardiologist who is part of the 75-member medical specialist providing free medical treatment in Fiji, said the disease was mostly suffered by Fijians of Indian descent.
"We don't see that anywhere else in the western world," Dr Kay said.
He said the disease started with genetic susceptibility to certain problems that included diabetes and how people adapted to their lifestyle.
He said it was important that people choose the right food to eat, exercise regularly and stick to their healthy diet.
Dr Kay said those people also suffered from diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol.
"Many of these people smoke which is the biggest aspect of heart disease," Dr Kay said.
He said they would try and develop programs as they move on.
The team has been coming to Fiji through the Friend of Fiji Heart Foundation since 2006.
It started with open heart surgeries in replacing valves and closing holes in the heart and today they are able to perform by-pass arteries surgery in Fiji.
This year angiograms team stepped in with seven comprehensive staff to treat people with coronary arteries.