Heart Awareness Month: A Campaign for Healthier Hearts in South Africa and Beyond

Every year, South Africa observes Heart Awareness Month (HAM) in September, an essential health campaign led by the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA). This initiative aims to educate the public about heart health and the various risk factors involved, including genetic predisposition and unhealthy behaviors like tobacco smoking and insufficient physical activity.

Reducing the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disease and strokes are the most significant non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa. Therefore, HAM strives to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), promote health, and prevent the onset of diseases.

A Global Outreach

Although HAM primarily targets the South African population, the campaign reaches a broader audience through social media, webinars, and collaborations with regional and global organizations. On a global scale, World Heart Day (WHD) is celebrated on September 29th, with HSFSA organizing several community-based activities in provinces such as KZN, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng. The rest of the provinces benefit from social media, TV, and radio outreach initiatives.

Promoting Heart Health

Throughout September, HSFSA healthcare practitioners provide health talks and health risk assessments (HRAs), while the World Heart Federation (WHF) works with its country members to amplify health messaging regarding different types of heart diseases and ideal treatment modalities. This year, HSFSA has aligned with the 2023 global theme, ‘Use Heart, Know Heart,’ which encourages individuals and communities to gain a deeper understanding of maintaining good heart health.

CVD: A Leading Cause of Death

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2021 report, CVD is the leading cause of disease burden, resulting in 17.9 million deaths annually or 32% of all global deaths. An estimated 75% of CVD occurs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like South Africa, where CVD accounts for nearly one in six deaths, surpassing all forms of cancer combined. Every day, 225 South Africans die from heart disease and strokes, making it the second leading cause of mortality in the country.

Week-on-Week Themes

During HAM, the foundation employs week-on-week themes conceptualized by its CEO to remind the population of the risk factors for heart disease and strokes. These risk factors include hypertension, raised cholesterol, diabetes, tobacco smoking and vaping, inadequate nutrition, poor exercise routines, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Sub-Themes for HAM 2021

This year’s sub-themes for HAM address various stages and aspects of heart health:

1. Week One – Young Hearts: This theme focuses on promoting heart health from an early age, encouraging proper nutrition and exercise habits for children and adolescents.

2. Week Two – Mature Hearts: This theme highlights the importance of maintaining heart health during adulthood, emphasizing preventative measures and regular check-ups.

3. Week Three – Hypertension and Diabetes: As two critical drivers of CVD, this theme addresses these conditions and their management to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.

4. Week Four – Cumulative Risk: This theme explores the combined impact of various risk factors and emphasizes the importance of addressing multiple areas to maintain optimal heart health.

Prioritizing Heart Health for a Healthier Future

Heart Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder for South Africans to prioritize their heart health and focus on preventative measures and early intervention. As the campaign continues to grow and reach wider audiences, it is our collective responsibility to take these messages to heart and work towards a healthier future for ourselves and our communities.