News, Updates & Educational Resources

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction (MI), is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked or restricted. It is typically caused by a clot forming in one of the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. During a heart attack, the blockage prevents adequate blood supply from reaching a specific area of the heart. As a result, the affected heart muscle begins to suffer from a lack of oxygen and nutrients, leading to damage or death of the tissue if not urgently intervened.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

A heart attack can present with a range of symptoms, and not everyone experiences them the same way. The most common sign is chest pain or discomfort—often felt as pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest that may last several minutes or come and go. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, cold sweats, and extreme fatigue, even without physical exertion. Pain may also radiate to the arms (especially the left), back, neck, jaw, or stomach. People may feel lightheaded or dizzy, experience nausea or vomiting, and sometimes feel a sense of anxiety or impending doom. An irregular heartbeat or palpitations can also occur. It’s important to recognize that these symptoms may differ between men and women. If you or someone else is experiencing any of these signs, call emergency services immediately—every second counts.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain cell damage or death. It can have severe and lasting effects on a person’s physical and cognitive abilities.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly and can affect different parts of the body. A helpful way to remember them is the acronym BEFAST: Balance – sudden loss of coordination or balance; Eyes – sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, such as blurred or double vision; Face – facial drooping on one side when trying to smile; Arm – weakness or numbness in one arm, especially if it drifts downward when both arms are raised; Speech – slurred or strange speech, or difficulty repeating simple sentences; and Time – if any of these symptoms are present, it’s time to call 911 immediately. Recognizing these signs quickly is critical, as early treatment can dramatically improve the outcome. Don’t wait—every second counts when it comes to stroke care.

What should I do when I experience symptoms?

If someone shows any of the heart attack or stroke symptoms, it is important to call emergency services immediately. Time is critical and prompt medical attention can save lives and minimize long term damage.

Why is cardiovascular disease a growing health crisis in Africa?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a growing health crisis in Africa due to a combination of rising risk factors—such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes—and limited access to healthcare, resources, and preventive education. The region experiences high rates of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, often affecting individuals at younger ages than in other parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization, around 80% of CVD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with approximately 37% of global CVD deaths happening in Africa alone. This burden is intensified by poverty, underdeveloped health infrastructure, and a lack of public awareness. The resulting loss of productive years has serious social and economic consequences. Addressing this crisis requires strengthened healthcare systems, widespread education on prevention, and coordinated efforts across governments, organizations, and communities to improve heart health outcomes.

What makes cardiovascular disease a global health and economic crisis?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 18.6 million deaths each year. Its widespread prevalence is fueled by common risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles. Beyond its toll on human health, CVD imposes a significant economic burden. It reduces workforce participation and productivity due to disability and premature death, leading to lost economic output and slowed GDP growth. Additionally, the high costs of treating CVDs often divert funding from other critical sectors such as education and infrastructure, making it not only a public health crisis but also a major challenge to global development.