The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday, Jan. 2, noted an increase in cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) during the holiday season.
In a statement, the DOH said it has been monitoring NCDs such as acute stroke, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and bronchial asthma from eight sentinel sites nationwide.
Stroke cases
The DOH noted a rise in stroke cases during the New Year celebrations.
From 12 cases recorded on Dec. 23, 2024, the DOH said the number surged to 146 cases by Jan. 2, 2025, with two fatalities.
The DOH noted that the majority of stroke patients were aged 45 to 64 years old.
The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) recorded 140 stroke cases, while the Tondo Medical Center accounted for 41 cases, according to the DOH.
Acute Coronary Syndrome
The DOH also saw an increase in cases of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).
From two cases on Dec. 22, the DOH said ACS patients increased to 74 by Jan. 2, 2025, with one fatality.
Most ACS patients were aged 55 to 74 years old, according to the DOH.
The PGH documented 63 cases, while the Tondo Medical Center had eight cases.
As explained by the DOH, ACS refers to conditions involving sudden changes in blood flow to the heart, including myocardial infarction or heart attack.
Bronchial Asthma
The DOH is also monitoring bronchial asthma cases attributed to smoke from fireworks.
Citing reports from its sentinel sites, the DOH said cases of bronchial asthma rose from six on Dec. 22, 2024, to 80 on Jan. 2, 2025.
Most asthma patients, the DOH said, were children aged 0 to nine years old.
The PGH recorded 46 cases, while the Tondo Medical Center documented 11 cases, according to the DOH.
Call to action
As it continues to monitor NCDs, the DOH said it will ensure that hospitals remain prepared.
Meanwhile, the DOH called on the public to prioritize health in 2025 by avoiding excessive consumption of salty, sugary, and fatty foods, limiting alcohol intake, and scheduling regular doctor consultations to manage existing medical conditions like hypertension.
Maintaining a healthy body must also be prioritized this year, the DOH noted.
In a press conference, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa also urged the public to start the year right by making better health choices, such as balanced meals, regular exercise, and discipline, to prevent serious illnesses.