Fijians make up just 2% of New Zealand's population, but 20% of people suffering heart attacks or angina here are under the age of 40.

Many of them are otherwise fit and healthy until the heart disease strikes.

University of Otago scientists believe there is a genetic link, and are recruiting people with premature heart disease, or a family history of the disease, who are under 55 and living in New Zealand.  They hope to analyse blood tests and DNA for the next two years.

Fijian Dr Pritika Narayan is leading the work.