25^th Annual SA Heart^® Congress 2025

SA Heart® 2025 Congress Convenor

We welcome you to be part of the 25-year celebration of SA Heart® with the inspiring theme of “Unifying Hearts and Minds” in Johannesburg at the Sandton Convention Centre 17-19 October 2025.

We plan to come together to embark on a journey of shared knowledge, collaboration, and innovation, with an excellent International and Local Faculty driven by our common goal of advancing heart health across the globe. How we interact with each other as human beings, getting the balance, mental health, myocardial infarction management, cardiovascular research and the unification of the Heart and Mind is what will be explored at this year’s Annual Congress of SA Heart®.

Cardiology, at its core, is about healing the hearts of patients. Our mission is to bridge gaps—be it in clinical practice, education, or healthcare delivery. In the spirit of unity, we acknowledge that cardiology transcends borders, and it is through collaboration that we can tackle the pressing challenges of cardiovascular diseases. The Heart is the centre of the physical and spiritual part of the human body and the interaction between the Heart and Mind will be a theme which will be explored.

As we focus on “Unifying Hearts and Minds,” we must acknowledge the unique context of heart health in different regions of the world. In Africa, where heart disease is rising rapidly alongside infectious diseases, the challenge becomes even more complex. The burden of cardiovascular diseases is expected to increase, due to factors like rapid urbanization, changing lifestyles, and limited access to specialized care. In Africa, there is a profound understanding that health is not just a medical issue, but a social one. Effective healthcare delivery requires not only medical expertise but also a deep cultural understanding, community engagement, and a focus on equitable access to care. This is why unifying hearts and minds becomes so essential—only through the alignment of diverse perspectives can we make a significant, lasting impact.

Let us unite as one community, bound by our shared commitment to improving the health worldwide. Together, we can rise to meet the challenges that lie ahead and advance cardiovascular care for all. South Africa has taught us that we can work together by unifying Hearts and Minds and pursue to be stronger together.

Chair SA Heart®

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I am Tony Dalby. On behalf of the SA Heart® board of directors, I am delighted to invite you to the 25th Annual Congress of the South African Heart Association to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 17-19 October.  Be sure to join us in celebrating the first quarter century of the Association’s existence.

The theme of this year’s meeting “Unifying Hearts and Minds” speaks to the often-overlooked relationships between the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. The interplay between brain function and cardiovascular health are deserving of our attention. Not only do structural and functional aspects of the two systems interact with one another but so do patients’ emotions and psychological milieu, influence their responses to cardiac disease. Consider also our knowledge gaps in the interactions between cardiovascular and psychotropic pharmacologic therapies that need clarification.

This Congress will offer a unique platform for cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, specialist physicians, basic scientists, technologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to share their passion for cardiovascular medicine and extend their understanding of this understudied area. The multidisciplinary environment will provide attendees with opportunities to showcase their work, stay up to date on the latest advancements, and enhance contact with fellow professionals. All participants are encouraged to engage fully in the planned interactive sessions and training programmes and to benefit from interdisciplinary symposia with specialists from various clinical fields.

The in-person format of our Congress will not only provide invaluable hands-on experience but also dynamic social and networking opportunities essential for professional growth. It will be an excellent opportunity for our industry partners and exhibitors to showcase their products. This is the opportunity to connect with local and international experts from different parts of the globe. An esteemed faculty will deliver innovative sessions that foster professional development and provide global perspectives on advances in cardiovascular care.

We are grateful to Dr Ahmed Vachiat and the Scientific Planning Committee, for their vision and tireless efforts in organising this meeting once again. Lastly, we extend heartfelt thanks to the SA Heart® membership, the cornerstone of our Association, for their steadfast support.

I look forward to meeting you at the Congress as we extend our professional expertise and strengthen our profession.

President of SA Heart®