Cardiovascular Journal of Africa

The Pan-African Association of Structural and Coronary Interventions (PASCI); History, Mission, Organizational Structure and Core Activities for 2026-2027

Read more about PASCI, its history, mission and organisational structure, and its role in advancing coronary and structural interventions across Africa. This article explores the challenges facing interventional cardiology in Africa, PASCI’s achievements to date, and its vision for the future.

Welcome to the Cardiovascular Journal of Africa

The Cardiovascular Journal of Africa (CVJA) is an international peer-reviewed journal that keeps cardiologists up to date with advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Topics covered include coronary disease, electrophysiology, valve disease, imaging techniques, congenital heart disease (fetal, paediatric & adult), heart failure, surgery & basic science. CVJA is the official journal of the Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR) and has been published since 1990.

If you need to refer back to the old CVJA platform, visit this link: https://cvja.co.za/index.php

Important Notice to all Authors:

Manuscript Submission Fee & Article Processing Charge (updated March 2026)


It has become necessary for the Cardiovascular Journal of Africa to charge a manuscripts submission fees for all articles submitted for publication. On acceptance of a manuscript an additional Article Processing Fee will apply before publishing.


    From the Editor-in-Chief

    Professor Paul Brink

    At the Cardiovascular Journal of Africa (CVJA), the editorial team and I are excited to welcome you to our new redesigned website. This represents a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to serve as a trusted, accessible, and comprehensive resource for the cardiovascular community across Africa and beyond.

    Our updated digital platform has been thoughtfully developed to enhance your experience whether you are reading the latest research, submitting a manuscript, or browsing through archived issues. With improved navigation, faster access to content, and mobile-friendly features, we aim to make high-quality cardiovascular knowledge more accessible than ever before.

    As a peer-reviewed and indexed journal, CVJA, continues to publish a wide range of original articles, reviews, case reports, and editorials spanning all aspects of cardiovascular medicine. From clinical practice and public health to cardiovascular imaging, surgery, and basic science, we are proud to reflect the full spectrum of inquiry that drives progress in our field.


    We invite clinicians, researchers, and scholars from across the continent and the world to engage with our content, contribute their findings, and join us in advancing cardiovascular care) through science and collaboration.

    Thank you for your continued support of CVJA. We look forward to growing together and adapting. Time does not stand still. As Bob Dylan, still around and reinventing himself, sang in the 6’s – “The Times They Are A-Changin'”

    Latest News

    Global Heart Failure Guidelines 2026 – Now Published!

    The iCARDIO Alliance Global Implementation Guidelines on Heart Failure 2026 are now available, proudly co-published by Global Cardiology and the Cardiovascular Journal of Africa. Developed by a truly international panel of experts, these guidelines address the diverse challenges of heart failure care worldwide, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources.

    This comprehensive guideline offers updated, practical recommendations for diagnosing and managing acute and chronic heart failure, including context-specific options for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Importantly, it introduces resource-adjusted strategies, enabling clinicians to make effective decisions even in low- and middle-income settings. By combining the latest evidence with global collaboration, these guidelines aim to reduce hospitalisations, improve outcomes, and support clinicians everywhere in delivering better heart failure care.

    Read the full guidelines here »

    Latest articles

    A comparative analysis of the effects of moderate vs mild hypothermia on serum neuron-specific enolase, S100β, and near-infrared spectroscopy during cardiopulmonary bypass-assisted open-heart surgery: a single-centre study

    Neurological injury remains a critical concern in cardiac surgery despite advancements in surgical and anaesthetic techniques. Hypothermia is commonly utilised for neuroprotection during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB); however, the optimal temperature range remains undetermined. This study evaluates the neuroprotective effectiveness of mild versus moderate hypothermia by assessing neuron-specific...

    The effects of chronic administration of Cannabidiol and Cannabidiol-Selexipag combination on haematological parameters, oxidative stress, BNP, and TNF-α in a rat model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

    Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disorder characterized by pulmonary vasoconstriction and inflammation, leading to increased pulmonary pressure, right heart failure, and high mortality. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of CBD, alone and in combination...

    Efficacy of using 50 mL syringe manual thrombectomy catheter in patients with heavy thrombus burden undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

    Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and heavy thrombus burden are at increased risk of distal embolisation and impaired reperfusion during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Conventional manual aspiration thrombectomy with a 30 mL syringe has shown limited benefit in large randomised trials. Increasing syringe volume to 50 mL may enhance suction...