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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Persons suffering from cardiovascular diseases getting younger, Southern Philippines Medical Center expert says

Persons suffering from cardiovascular diseases getting younger, Southern Philippines Medical Center expert says

Published Feb 26, 2024 10:02 am

DAVAO CITY – Persons suffering from cardiovascular diseases are getting younger primarily due to unhealthy lifestyle characterized by substance abuse, a medical expert of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) here said.

Speaking at the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday, February 26, Mindanao Heart Institute head and SPMC cardiologist-consultant Dr. Elfred M. Batalla said the number of people with heart diseases has been exponentially increasing based on the 2023 census data.

“Data before states that the average age where coronary artery disease occurs is at 40s. Now, we have recorded below 40s and early 20s diagnosed with coronary artery disease,” Batalla said, adding that substance abuse and an unhealthy lifestyle are causing coronary artery disease.

Batalla said the No. 1 cause of death in the Philippines among people is coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease – a condition where the blood vessels that provide blood to the heart get obstructed, resulting in ischemia and discomfort in the heart muscles.

Excessive smoking (cigarette and vape), drinking alcohol, and lack of sleep are the primary factors contributing to unhealthy lifestyles, resulting in the onset of four significant diseases associated with lifestyle: Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease, he said.

He also said that eating non-substantial food and experiencing too much stress are extra factors that can lead to heart disease.

Batalla added that infectious disease, which has been rampant because of Covid-19, could also become a factor in having heart problems.

Among the young individuals diagnosed with heart disease, congenital heart disease (since birth), rheumatic heart disease, and acquired heart diseases like coronary artery disease were observed, Batalla said, adding that a healthy lifestyle is essential in preventing acquired heart diseases.

“I would suggest everyone to have a regular check-up with their cardiologist to know how healthy your heart is. The American Heart Association encourages that at the age of 20, you have to start screening for heart diseases, while European society encourages at age 40,” Batalla said.

Nurse Maria Victoria Javonillo, head of the SPMC Department for Cardiovascular and Radiology Nursing, said that regular exercise, eating healthy food, managing stress, and having a good sleep for at least seven to eight hours are still the best practices to avoid heart disease.

As a registered nurse working as a clinical coordinator at the SPMC, Lorna Pabaonan said they also stimulated their patients to practice a healthy lifestyle and reminded them of their significant role in preventing diseases. "Prevention is always better than cure," Pabaonan said.

Related Tags

Cardiovascular diseases Southern Philippines Medical Center Davao City
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