Heart health pushed as cardiovascular diseases remain top cause of death in PH

Local

AS VALENTINE’S Day was celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 14, health experts urged Filipinos to focus on heart health.

Dr. Joshua Brillantes, regional director of the Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-7), used the occasion to highlight the importance of addressing cardiovascular diseases, which remain a leading cause of death in the country.

Brillantes, during the launch of the Integrated Heart and Vascular Institute at Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue, emphasized that heart disease continues to be a significant concern in the Philippines, with hypertension being a major risk factor.

He pointed to the DOH's strategy against hypertension, which aims to prevent, detect, and control hypertension.

This initiative urges Filipinos to monitor their blood pressure, undergo regular screenings, and adopt healthier lifestyle practices to reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke.

"Heart disease doesn’t discriminate," he said. "It affects people of all ages, and early intervention can make a significant difference.”

Brillantes said that it was his responsibility as head of the health sector in the region to address such health concerns.

He highlighted that cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, also highlighting how sometimes food here is not friendly to the heart.

“Every time there’s an activity, there’s always lechon, and there’s always chicharron,” he said, noting the importance of changing lifestyle habits to address these health challenges.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), ischemic heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Philippines for the first half of 2025.

The PSA recorded 53,985 deaths from ischemic heart disease, accounting for nineteen point nine percent of all deaths nationwide.

Neoplasms, or abnormal tissue growths, followed in second place with 30,961 deaths, representing eleven point four percent. Cerebrovascular diseases, primarily strokes, ranked third with 27,164 deaths, or ten percent.

Pneumonia caused 18,365 deaths, while diabetes mellitus contributed to 16,632 deaths, making them the fourth and fifth leading causes.

The rankings for the first half of 2025 were consistent with those from the same period in 2024.

Meanwhile, the opening of the Integrated Heart and Vascular Institute at Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue is part of the hospital's response to the growing need for accessible, advanced cardiovascular care.

The facility includes advanced diagnostic tools, a Hybrid Cath Lab for performing both minimally invasive and open-heart procedures in one setting, and specialized rehabilitation services to support long-term recovery and prevention.

Brillantes stressed that while advanced technology is essential, educating the public and promoting preventive measures are crucial to improving heart health across the nation.

He called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to improve access to care, particularly in underserved areas.

The event also marked the 10th anniversary of Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue, with the Integrated Heart and Vascular Institute seen as a major step toward expanding the hospital’s capacity to meet the nation’s growing cardiovascular needs.(MyTVCebu)