Latest news with #HSFSA
Mail & Guardian
29-07-2025
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa highlights Rheumatic Fever Prevention
Rheumatic Fever Week (RFW) is an annual campaign held in the first week of August to raise awareness about Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF). Left untreated this condition can progress into Rheumatic Heart Disease and can also result in death. ARF became a notifiable condition in South Africa in 1989—a condition that must be reported to the National Department of Health upon diagnosis—leading to the establishment of National Rheumatic Fever Week. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) aims to highlight the dangers of ARF episodes and the association with RHD. The Foundation's mission is to reduce the burden of cardiac conditions in South Africa, with RHD being one of the main conditions in underserved communities. Prof Pamela Naidoo, CEO of the HSFSA makes the point that RHD is eradicated in richer countries while the burden still remains a problem in low-and-middle-income countries. SA is a middle-income country with high levels of inequality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rheumatic fever is an illness where the body's immune system overreacts to a throat or skin infection caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A strep). This autoimmune inflammatory response can affect multiple organs including the heart, joints, and sometimes the skin and brain. This presentation is often seen between 10 to 21 days after the initial throat infection. RHD develops when multiple episodes of ARF occur, causing damage and scarring to heart valves and heart muscle. According to the WHO (2023) technical brief on rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, RHD affected an estimated 55 million people globally and caused 360,000 deaths in 2021. The WHO noted that the first episode of ARF is most commonly observed in children aged 5 to 14 years, followed by recurring infections within one year of the initial episode. These recurrences can persist throughout a person's life. The WHO also states that RHD typically begins in childhood, with the highest prevalence found in young adults aged 20 to 39 years. The report further highlighted that, internationally, women have a higher prevalence of RHD. In the most recent National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) GERMS-SA quarterly surveillance report (2025), an average of 824 cases of Group A Streptococcus infections were identified per year from 2021 to 2024 in South Africa. This figure may not accurately reflect the current situation in South Africa, as numerous cases remain undetected, undiagnosed, and uninvestigated. The RFW campaign aims to teach people about the dangers of ignoring or not treating throat infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. A study by Machipisa et al. (2021), published in JAMA Cardiology and focused on African countries, found that Black African people may be more likely to develop rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) after being exposed to Group A Streptococcus—especially if there is a family history of the disease. This implies that extra care should be taken for individuals with a family history of RF and RHD. It's important to take steps to prevent disease, and even a simple sore throat should be treated right away. When rheumatic fever is diagnosed early, treatment can stop it from worsening. Doctors can give antibiotics to treat the infection and medicine to reduce pain and swelling. Regular check-ups and penicillin injections help prevent more attacks and protect the heart. Recent research published in the Egyptian Heart Journal by Rifaie et al. (2020) on RF and RHD has shown promising results in identifying and treating these conditions. The inflammatory response, triggered by the Group A Streptococcus infection, may be chronic, meaning that the inflammation caused by the initial infection could persist for months after the infection is believed to have cleared. This suggests that the damage may continue if not treated appropriately. The authors emphasize that treating the inflammation is just as important as treating the bacteria causing the infection. This highlights why early check-ups and proper treatment are important, instead of trying to treat a sore throat on your own. Prevention strategies are essential to reduce the return and spread of the infection. These include better hygiene, staying isolated when sick, improving living conditions, and increasing access to primary healthcare. Because RF can cause RHD through repeated episodes, ongoing community prevention is strongly advised. RHD is a serious heart condition that can lead to death or lifelong disability. It requires lifelong medication, regular medical check-ups, and often heart valve surgery. RHD often damages the heart valves and surgical intervention is the primary treatment for replacing or repairing the damaged valve(s). Evidence from tertiary centers in South Africa, such as Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, suggests that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for patients with RHD. However, in some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), heart surgery facilities are often scarce, and long waiting periods can limit access to life-saving interventions, such as heart valve surgery. Necessary steps to improve specialized services at healthcare facilities to improve health outcomes for individuals living with RHD who require heart surgery. If the disease has become severe, the individual may also need to be treated for heart failure or an irregular heart rhythm. RHD can be prevented if ARF is treated promptly with the correct antibiotics, regular check-ups and prevention strategies are in place. RHD remains a disease of poverty, disproportionately affecting LMICs and marginalized populations in high-income countries. Effective prevention and management of RHD require addressing the root causes of poverty, such as overcrowding, limited access to clean water and sanitation, and healthcare disparities. Ensuring adequate living conditions, equitable access to quality healthcare services, and implementing comprehensive prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment programs are essential to reducing the burden of RHD in vulnerable populations. HSFSA leads the campaign annually, disseminating information and raising awareness about the relationship between RF and RHD. The Foundation encourages parents and caregivers to be more vigilant and actively work toward reducing the burden of RHD. The Foundation, along with our continental colleagues in Africa, strive to see a world without RF and RHD. Let us work together to make this a more information visit the Foundation's website:
TimesLIVE
13-05-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
One teaspoon too far: why 5g of salt is the limit your body can handle
Many of us reach for the salt shaker without a second thought, but health experts are sounding the alarm. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the recommended daily limit for sodium is less than 2,300 milligrams — just one teaspoon (5g) of salt. Yet most South Africans exceed this amount, often without realising it. Cari Erasmus, a registered dietitian from the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA (HSFSA) says we should monitor our salt intake. 'Monitoring your salt intake is crucial to managing sodium levels and maintaining overall health. Too much salt can have detrimental health effects over time, making mindful consumption essential,' said Erasmus. Erasmus adds that measuring exactly 5g of salt is challenging, especially when so many processed and packaged foods are already high in sodium. 'As a practical approach, it's best to be on the side of caution and use less salt when cooking, gradually adjusting to taste. Try the 'salt later' method whereby you add a small amount towards the end of cooking or at the table and always taste your food before adding more,' she advised. Excess salt consumption is not just a dietary concern — it's a major public health issue. The HSFSA warns that high sodium intake increases the risk of high blood pressure, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including strokes and heart attacks. 'Unfortunately, South Africans tend to consume more than the recommended daily amount, which significantly increases the risk of heart disease, kidney problems and even some cancers,' the foundation said. The foundation's team lead for nutrition science, Shonisani Nephalama, explains why sodium matters. 'When we consume too much sodium, it increases fluid levels outside our cells, raising blood volume and putting added pressure on the heart. Normally, the kidneys filter out excess sodium but a consistently high intake can overwhelm them, leading to high blood pressure and kidney damage,' said Nephalama. This year's Salt Awareness Week, which is from May 12-18 focuses on the theme '5 Ways to 5 Grams' aligning with the World Action on Salt, Sugar and Health (WASSH). The campaign is designed to empower the public with simple strategies to reduce daily salt intake and protect their heart and brain health. The CEO of the HSFSA, Prof Pamela Naidoo, says the goal is to spread awareness of salt's role in fuelling life-threatening conditions like strokes and heart disease. 'We want the public to know the truth about salt and the power of small behavioural changes. Every step counts and collectively we can make a powerful impact on national health,' she says. To help South Africans embrace a lower-salt lifestyle, the HSFSA is promoting five actionable tips: 1. Season smart — Gradually reduce the amount of salt in your cooking. Use herbs, garlic, ginger, lemon, chilli and spices to add flavour. 2. Taste before you salt — You might not need more salt than what's already in your food. 3. Read labels — Check sodium content on packaged foods and look for the HSFSA's Heart Mark logo. 4. Ditch the shaker — Removing the salt shaker from the table helps break the automatic habit. 5. Cook more at home — Home-cooked meals give you control over your ingredients and help you avoid hidden salt in restaurant or fast food. The foundation also encourages increasing intake of potassium-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils and low-fat dairy which help balance sodium in the body. 'Potassium promotes sodium excretion and relaxes blood vessels, which can help lower blood pressure,' says the foundation. The statistics are sobering. In 2021, CVD accounted for one in every seven deaths in South Africa. 'By supporting each other in adopting healthier habits, we can make a powerful impact. Every small step counts. By working together, we can save thousands of lives and significantly reduce disease and disability,' says the foundation.
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Heart and Stroke Foundation hosts free screening
SHOPPERS at Montclair Mall received more than a dose of retail therapy on April 30, when the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) brought its free community health screening programme to the centre in a bid to raise awareness of cardiovascular health. Also read: Add an avo for your heart's sake The outreach formed part of the foundation's mission to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in South Africa through education, screening and referral. Sister Juandre Watson from the HSFSA said the public welcomed the initiative. The free services offered included blood pressure screenings, blood glucose and cholesterol tests and body mass index assessments. Additionally, medical examinations and women's health screening were offered to identify other risk factors that may lead to heart disease or stroke. 'We were pleased to have seen so many clients and were able to refer quite a number of these clients for high-risk values. We also provided advice on healthy behaviours that ensure long-term good health,' said Watson. The HSFSA continues to advocate early detection and lifestyle change to combat heart disease, one of the globe's largest killers. The organisation encourages the public to attend similar screenings and take early action towards a healthier tomorrow. For more information on upcoming screenings or heart tips, visit For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
