The Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging the public to practice early health seeking behavior to prevent cardiovascular diseases. In Central Luzon, cardiovascular disease cases continue to increase, with heart attack and stroke among the common causes of death.

DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development Non-communicable Diseases Cluster Medical Officer IV Cindy Canlas explained that cardio vascular disease is a disease of the heart and blood vessels, including atherosclerosis and heart failure, among others. Before, only adults 40 years old and above were prone to develop heart diseases.

“Since 2020, we are also seeing risk factors, especially hypertension among those aged 20 years old and below. In Central Luzon, we have recorded cases of having strokes among children 10 years old and below,” she shared.

With this, she emphasized the need to undergo assessment even before the disease develops or when someone is experiencing any of the symptoms of risk factors.

“It is good to know your level of risk of developing cardiovascular disease. We have assessment available at our rural health units (RHUs) and hospitals. We also train staff even in workplaces to do these kinds of screening. We also give out free medicines at the RHUs. These are all part of our [DOH] effort towards prevention,” she cited.

Members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation may also avail of primary care services through the Konsulta package not only among DOH facilities, but also in accredited private hospitals and clinics.

Certain non-communicable diseases and conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity; as well as unhealthy practices like smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and consuming salty and fatty foods increase the risk of developing heart diseases.

Health authorities remind the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle and incorporate a variety of nutritious foods to reduce the likelihood of developing heart diseases.

“Engaging in an active lifestyle or at least 150 minutes of exercise per week is one way to maintain our heart health. Avoid salty and fatty foods, and eat more vegetables. Avoid smoking and other substance use. If drinking alcohol, do it in moderation,” Canlas said.

She added that those who have been diagnosed with the disease already should be compliant with their medications and follow-up regularly with their health care provider to manage the disease.

“The DOH and our partners will continue to intensify the advocacy towards maintaining heart and do the necessary intervention to prevent and fight the disease as much as we can,” Canlas said.

February is observed as Philippine Heart Month by virtue of Proclamation No. 1096 signed on Jan. 9, 1973. (PIA 3/Marie Joy S. Carbungco)