Heart disease can develop quietly, and the warning signs are often mistaken for stress, fatigue or simply getting older. This World Heart Day, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is urging residents to recognise the symptoms early and seek medical care before a heart condition becomes an emergency.
The 2026 World Heart Day theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat”, is a reminder that early diagnosis can save lives. From children born with congenital heart conditions to adults living with heart disease, timely assessment and treatment can make a meaningful difference.
Spotting the signs in children
At Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, registered nurse Sr Bongeka Mbanyana from the Paediatric Cardiology Unit says parents are often the first to notice when something is not right.
“Some heart conditions are identified shortly after birth, while others only become apparent as a child grows. If a child has difficulty feeding, poor weight gain, rapid breathing, excessive sweating, unusual tiredness or a bluish colour around the lips and fingertips, parents should seek medical advice.”
She says persistent shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty keeping up with normal physical activity should never be ignored, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
A family’s hope
For Thulani Nxumalo, the campaign’s message is deeply personal. His two-year-old son, Qhawe, was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition after low blood oxygen levels were detected during treatment for pneumonia.
“When we first heard the diagnosis, it felt overwhelming. There were moments of fear and uncertainty, but we had faith in the care he would receive.”
Qhawe continues to receive specialised care through the cardiology team at Red Cross, giving his family hope for a healthy future.
Acting before it’s too late
At Tygerberg Hospital, 65-year-old Frank Ohlson from Ravensmead is sharing his experience to encourage others not to ignore changes in their health.
In 2025, Frank experienced repeated episodes of severe shortness of breath and sweating, sometimes becoming so breathless that he was unable to drive. After visiting his general practitioner, he was referred to Eerste River Hospital and later transferred to Tygerberg Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with an irregular heart rhythm and provided further treatment. He has since recovered well.
“My advice is simple. Go for regular health checkups and have your blood pressure and blood sugar checked. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Stay active where you can and take your health seriously.”
When to seek medical care
Professor Ashley Chin, Head of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town, says too many people delay seeking medical attention because they dismiss important symptoms.
“People often explain away shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, heart palpitations, or chest discomfort as stress, ageing or being out of shape. While these symptoms can have many causes, they may also be early signs of serious cardiovascular disease. Getting checked early can improve outcomes and, in some cases, save lives.”
Seek medical care if you experience:
- chest discomfort or pressure;
- shortness of breath;
- unexplained fatigue;
- heart palpitations;
- dizziness or fainting;
- pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back;
- swelling of the feet, ankles or legs.
This World Heart Day, residents are encouraged to know the warning signs, attend routine health screenings and seek medical advice if something does not feel right.
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