Research

Heart of Soweto

Leading the Way: The Heart of Soweto Study

The primary goal of the “Heart of Soweto Study” is to systematically examine and respond to the epidemiologic transition in risk behaviours and clinical presentations of heart disease in the internationally renowned and celebrated community of Soweto, South Africa.

It is within this context that we established the Heart of Soweto Study to monitor, describe and respond to the evolving burden of heart disease within the largest urban community of Black Africans in South Africa.

In a landmark report in The Lancet (March 2007) we proved that heart disease is a major public health problem in one of Africa’s largest urban communities of black Africans (> 1 million people).

In response we have developed a long-term program to monitor the “evolution” of affluent forms of heart disease in this community and develop African-specific programs designed to address its major risk factors (e.g. high blood pressure linked to obesity and poor food choices).

One of our greatest achievements has been the establishment of world class clinical facilities and training local and national doctors and nurses to respond to this new “epidemic” in Africa.

Monitoring the heart beat of Africa

The Heart of Africa Study is a unique initiative to combat a new “epidemic” of communicable forms of heart disease in Africa.

The primary goal of the “Heart of Africa Study” is to systematically examine and respond to the “epidemiologic transition” in risk behaviours and clinical presentations of heart disease on the African continent.

The causes and consequences of an epidemic of heart disease, in affluent countries in the Western world are well known. In contrast, there is a paucity of data to describe the emergence and impact of heart disease in low to middle-income countries to pose a triple threat alongside the traditional killers of malnourishment and infectious disease. This is particularly true in vulnerable populations where modifiable risk factors have been previously rare and health care resources already over-burdened.

In Africa there is great potential for more affluent forms of heart disease to thrive in those communities fortunate enough to experience increasing economic wealth.

Protecting the Heart Health of Africa: The Heart of Africa Study

As the largest and most comprehensive study of heart disease in Africa, therefore, the Heart of Soweto Study represents the perfect platform to respond to an epidemic of heart disease Africa. Professor Karen Sliwa (University of Witwatersrand, RSA) and Professor Simon Stewart (Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Aus) have attracted a formidable list of national and international experts to replicate their work in Soweto for the Heart of Africa Study.

The Heart of Africa Study represents a unique opportunity to both monitor the heart health of key communities throughout Africa, but develop effective African-specific therapies and health care programs
to protect those fortunate to survive malnourishment and infection. For example, we have found a high degree of heart problems affecting those likely to have been employed in the mining industry in the Johannesburg region.

Launching the Heart of Africa Study: Indicative Budget

In order to properly establish the Heart of Africa Study, and realise its full potential to protect the “heart health” of Africa, we will need to fund the following:

An Investigator Meeting in mid-2009 (Johannesburg, South Africa) to follow a pre-planning meeting in November 2008 - (Approx. cost $AU50,000)
Standardised clinical facilities (e.g. cardiac imaging) to assess and manage patients with heart disease (Approx. cost $AU100,000 per site: $AU800,000)
Heart of Africa Medical Development Fund to support local Cardiologists/Physicians – (Approx. cost $50,000 per site/annum: $400,000 p.a.)
Heart of Africa Nurse Development Fund to support local Nurses – (Approx. cost $25,000 per site/annum: $200,000 p.a.)
Heart of Africa Researcher Development Fund to support a national coordinator (Approx. cost $60,000 p.a.)
Data collection and management (Approx. cost $40,000 p.a.).

Heart of Africa Study: Key Outcomes

For an initial investment of $AU 1.55 million in Year 1, the Heart of Africa Study will establish eight fully equipped and staffed heart monitoring stations in Africa to supplement the coordinating centre in Soweto. A budget of $AU700,000 p.a. thereafter will support local doctors and nurses to maintain the Heart of Africa Study.

Overall, the proposed network of heart centres will diagnose and manage > 25,000 patients each year. It will generate unique data on the evolving epidemic of heart disease in Africa. It will not only “count” cases, but develop new therapeutic strategies and services for the African context.

Once established, the Heart of Africa network will protect the “heart health” of Africa for years to come and support a new generation of African doctors and nurses with heart expertise in the process.