Medical experts urged the public to seek early medical attention for any heart-related concerns, even if they do not exhibit immediate symptoms.

The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), the highest recognition body on science and technology, held a Kapehan Session with the medical experts on Tuesday, Feb. 27, who shared their scientific knowledge and personal experiences in their fields of expertise.

One of the guest speakers is academician Dr. Rody G. Sy, recognized for his work on understanding the genetic basis of cardiovascular conditions in Filipinos.

During his talk, he pointed out that many Filipinos with heart conditions delay seeking help due to the lack of direct symptoms that can lead to complications and even death.

“Hypertension is very common in the country, but not everyone experiences symptoms. This is dangerous because it can lead to strokes, coronary diseases, loss function or movement of half of your body, or their speech where they can’t talk properly and even heart attacks," Sy said.

“Dahil walang nararamdaman suspicious, they don't seek consultation and they end up suddenly in emergency rooms. (Because they do not feel anything suspicious, they don't seek consultation and they suddenly end up in emergency rooms),” he added.

He also cited a survey that says one in five adults in the Philippines has high blood pressure, which is often called the “silent killer” because usually, it has no symptoms, so it is important to have it measured regularly, which has risk increases especially after 50 years old.

"Heart attacks can be debilitating," he said, "but fortunately, with advances in medicine, if the patient comes early, we can still do interventions and the patient can survive."

Given this, he reiterated to the public the importance of seeking professional help if one feels something is wrong with their heart.

Furthermore, the session also featured Dr. Ronnie E. Baticulon, a pediatric neurosurgeon at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), who spoke about the importance of folic acid intake for pregnant women to prevent birth defects related to the nervous system.

He specifically talked about the higher chance of hydrocephalus in the country.

One reason for that, he explained, is the hydrocephalus case is somehow related to the spinal cord, it is not forming properly because the mother lacks folic acid or vitamin B9.

“They need this (folic) because when a mother consumes essential vitamins both before and during pregnancy it is important for the wellbeing of a developing embryo,” he said.

According to him, birth defects related to the brain and spine occur during the initial weeks of pregnancy, frequently before a woman discovers that she is pregnant.

Therefore, he added that all women should make it a routine to consume folic acid supplements daily, even if they are not planning to become pregnant.