CITING data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) that show ischemic heart disease as the top cause of death in the country for the past two years, several doctors and health industry experts have sounded the alarm over surges in mortality due to heart disease and diabetes.
According to Philippine Heart Association (PHA) secretary Dr. Rodney Jimenez, “pandemic lockdowns and quarantines have seriously impacted the health of many Filipinos by limiting their movement and keeping them from engaging in exercise, and this (has been) exacerbated by heightened anxiety and the availability of streaming services and social media.”
Based on PSA data, the number of deaths from ischemia and other heart-related ailments increased from over 95,000 in 2020 to almost 126,000 in 2021 while fatalities from diabetes mellitus marked a 22 percent increase to 44,000 in the same year.
The findings were highlighted by the nationwide movement for awareness of both diseases known as ‘For Your Sweetheart Philippines’, which was initiated by the local branch of the Boehringer Ingelheim Group to raise awareness on the critical link between diabetes and heart disease.
Jimenez pointed out that hypertension, which mostly can be connected to cardio-pulmonary conditions, and diabetes, which also has a link with ischemic heart diseases, are (both) preventable.
“People can use simple online tools to get an indication of any health risks they may have.
(There are) web-based written exam(s) that compute the risk of developing a cardiovascular disease based on a series of information, including cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The test is free and anyone aged 30 to 74 can take it to determine if they are at risk of getting a heart attack within 10 years,” he noted.
In agreement, Philippine Association of Diabetes Educators (PADE) Dr. Leyden Florido shared that “accessible online tools can help provide a picture of one’s health before consulting a doctor.”
“Results can be brought to a doctor for proper interpretation and necessary action,” she added.
metrosundaily
