As Filipinos celebrate the holiday season with family gatherings, festive feasts, and joyful reunions, the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, Dec. 23 reminded everyone to be mindful of their health.
During the “Ligtas Christmas” hospital preparedness and response rounds, DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa highlighted the risks of “holiday heart syndrome,” a condition that can lead to serious health issues such as stroke, especially when individuals indulge in excesses during the festivities.
The DOH explained that holiday heart syndrome is a health condition triggered by a combination of excessive alcohol consumption, stress, lack of rest, and overeating rich, salty, or fatty foods—habits that are common during the holiday season.
These factors can lead to high blood pressure, resulting in arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythms), which increases the risk of stroke.
To prevent such health complications, the DOH continues to encourage every Filipino family to maintain a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, regular exercise, and discipline during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“The Department of Health cares for our fellow countrymen. Just as you take care of your loved ones, we remind you to avoid overeating salty, fatty, and sweet foods this holiday season. Eat more vegetables and fruits, which should make up half of your ‘pinggang pinoy’ (Filipino plate). Find time to exercise," Herbosa said.
Surge in stroke cases
During the DOH inspection, the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) reported approximately 60 stroke cases from July to November.
Additionally, seven stroke cases were recorded before Christmas, from Dec. 1 to 20.
The DOH warned that the number of stroke cases could rise further after Christmas and New Year if excessive alcohol consumption and food intake from consecutive holiday feasts are not controlled.
PHC had already observed a similar increase in 2023.
In December 2023, there were 38 stroke cases, which rose to 42 by January 2024, marking the highest number of stroke cases for the entire year.
Similarly, 110 cases of acute coronary heart syndrome recorded in December 2023 rose to 115 by January 2024.
The East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) also reported a continuous rise in stroke cases, particularly in December, from 2020 to 2023.
The number of stroke patients increased from 188 in December 2020 to 226 in December 2021, and further to 247 in December 2022.
In December 2023, the number of stroke cases at EAMC reached 328.
For the first time, the DOH included private hospitals in the hospital preparedness and response rounds.
In the activity, St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City also reported a rise in stroke cases.
In 2023, the hospital recorded 415 stroke cases, up from 295 in 2022.
From January to November 2024, the hospital discharged 339 stroke patients.