DOH: Stroke, heart attack, and asthma cases rise by 5% before end of 2025
The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Wednesday, December 31, a five percent increase in cases of stroke, heart attack, and asthma nationwide by the end of 2025, based on its latest disease surveillance data.
(DOH / Facebook)
From December 21 to 4:59 a.m. on December 31, the DOH recorded a total of 288 cases of acute stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and bronchial asthma. This is higher than the 274 cases logged during the same period in 2024.
The DOH said 31 new cases were added on December 31 alone, based on monitoring that began on December 21. Among the reported illnesses, acute stroke, also referred to as brain attack, emerged as the leading cause of death.
Breakdown of recorded cases
The figures were collected from 10 pilot surveillance sites monitored by the DOH for acute complications of non-communicable diseases.
The breakdown is as follows: acute stroke with 180 cases, mostly among patients aged 60 to 69; acute coronary syndrome with 77 cases, also largely among those aged 60 to 69; and bronchial asthma with 31 cases, mostly affecting children aged 0 to 9.
The DOH confirmed five deaths during the period, with three linked to stroke and two due to acute coronary syndrome.
DOH health reminders
As the year draws to a close, the DOH urged the public to take extra precautions, noting that lifestyle-related risks often increase during the holiday season.
For acute coronary syndrome, the DOH advised avoiding overeating, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and stress. Individuals experiencing chest pain or difficulty breathing were urged to seek immediate medical attention.
To prevent acute stroke, the agency emphasized maintaining normal blood pressure, staying physically active, and promptly consulting a doctor if symptoms such as sudden numbness or weakness in any part of the body occur.
For those with bronchial asthma, the DOH reminded the public to avoid common triggers such as dust and smoke, keep their surroundings clean, and always carry inhalers and prescribed medications.
The DOH stressed that early consultation, healthy lifestyle choices, and timely medical care are crucial in preventing severe complications and deaths from non-communicable diseases, especially during the holidays and the transition into the new year.