Durban Heart Rhythm Association Newsletter – April 2026 Edition

April is an exciting and impactful month for the Durban Heart Rhythm Association (DHRA) as we continue our mission to advance heart rhythm care, education, and community outreach.

This April, we are proud to launch our Device 4 a Life campaign.

This life-saving initiative focuses on the recycling of pacemakers to be safely reused in communities and countries with limited medical resources. Many patients worldwide lose their lives simply because they cannot access life-saving cardiac devices. Through responsible device recovery, sterilisation, and redistribution, we aim to give these patients a second chance at life.

We encourage you to visit our website for a more detailed discussion on how this initiative works, the ethical framework behind it, and how you can support the campaign.

Together, we can turn unused devices into renewed hope. 💙

❤️ For Our Patients: Living with a Pacemaker

Receiving a pacemaker can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance and follow-up care, most patients return to full and active lives. Our article discusses:

• What to expect after implantation Activity and lifestyle considerations
• Travel and device precautions
• When to seek medical attention
• The importance of regular device checks

Empowerment through education remains one of our key priorities.

🩺 Exclusive for Healthcare Professionals

We are excited to announce that free CPD points are now available, courtesy of My Servier Link, accessible through the HCP page on our website.

This long-awaited opportunity allows healthcare professionals to:

• Earn accredited CPD points
• Stay updated on evidence-based cardiology topics
• Access educational resources at no cost

We encourage all our healthcare colleagues to take advantage of this valuable professional development opportunity.

featured clinical articles address critical and highly relevant arrhythmia topics:

 

1️⃣ Advanced Management of Ventricular Storm

A deep dive into:

• Acute stabilisation strategies
• Antiarrhythmic drug therapy
• Sedation and autonomic modulation
• Catheter ablation approaches
• Multidisciplinary ICU management

 

2️⃣ Management of PVCs (Premature Ventricular Complexes)

• Risk stratification
• When to reassure vs intervene
• Medical therapy options
• Indications for ablation

These articles are designed to support doctors managing complex arrhythmia patients.

Our commitment to clinical outreach continues.

In April, DHRA will be:

• Distributing blood pressure monitors
• Engaging with community health workers

This month’s outreach takes us to the rural community of Buffelsdraai, where we aim to strengthen early detection and monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors.

Prevention remains the foundation of heart health.

📲 Stay Connected

Stay tuned to our WhatsApp channel for the latest heart rhythm updates, educational content, and event announcements.

Thank you for being part of the DHRA community as we continue working toward equitable, life-saving heart rhythm care.

With appreciation,The Durban Heart Rhythm Association Team