🫀 The Key to Heart Health – With Dr. Thandeka Mokoena

Cardiology Specialist | University of Cape Town (UCT) & Royal College of Physicians (UK) A Message from the Heart As a cardiologist with over 15 years of experience, I – Dr. Thandeka Mokoena – have witnessed countless patients battling severe heart conditions, often when it’s already too late for effective intervention. What troubles me most is not just the complexity of these cases, but the fact that many South Africans are unaware that the heart is the key to total body health. South Africa, as a developing nation, faces economic limitations and a heavily burdened healthcare system. In many rural areas, medical infrastructure remains under-resourced and outdated. In such conditions, cardiovascular disease – a group of largely preventable conditions – has become a leading cause of death. Alarming Statistics According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and South Africa’s Department of Health, the following numbers are a stark wake-up call: [li indent=0 align=left]🩺 Over 215 people die every day from cardiovascular-related diseases in South Africa.[li indent=0 align=left]🩸 25% of adults live with hypertension – most remain undiagnosed or poorly managed.[li indent=0 align=left]🧂 Poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, stress, and alcohol consumption are common risk factors.Heart disease is no longer a condition of the elderly – it increasingly affects younger adults aged 30 to 50, those in their most productive years. What You Should Know About Heart Health The heart is a tireless organ. It beats around 100,000 times per day, pumping over 7,500 liters of blood throughout the body. When it fails, the entire system suffers. Common cardiovascular conditions include: [li indent=0 align=left]Hypertension – the “silent killer” with few clear symptoms.[li indent=0 align=left]Atherosclerosis – plaque buildup in arteries leading to heart attacks.[li indent=0 align=left]Heart failure – when the heart becomes too weak to pump blood effectively.[li indent=0 align=left]Arrhythmias – irregular heart rhythms that can cause stroke or cardiac arrest.The key here is: early detection and proper management. Solutions for a Healthier Heart 1. Regular Screening I always emphasize the importance of preventive care: [li indent=0 align=left]Blood pressure checks, lipid panels, blood glucose tests, ECGs, and echocardiograms when needed.[li indent=0 align=left]Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.2. Lifestyle Changes You can greatly improve heart health by adopting small daily habits: [li indent=0 align=left]Reduce salt and fried foods, increase fresh vegetables and lean proteins.[li indent=0 align=left]Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.[li indent=0 align=left]Quit smoking and manage stress proactively.3. Community Awareness We must roll out public health education from schools and workplaces to rural areas – so people understand, prevent, and manage heart disease from its root. 4. Public Health Investment We need stronger commitments in: [li indent=0 align=left]Upgrading healthcare infrastructure.[li indent=0 align=left]Specialized training for frontline doctors.[li indent=0 align=left]Free or subsidized screenings in low-income communities.A Closing Note from the Doctor I’ve always believed the heart is not just a biological organ – it’s the core of life, emotion, and hope. Caring for your heart is a shared responsibility between you, your family, the healthcare system, and policymakers. As your cardiologist, I pledge to: [li indent=0 align=left]Always prioritize the highest quality of care.[li indent=0 align=left]Provide clear and trustworthy medical guidance.[li indent=0 align=left]Be your reliable partner in protecting your heart.💬 “Every strong heartbeat is a step toward a longer, happier life.” – Dr. Thandeka Mokoena Cardiology Department, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg