DAVAO CITY – The Department of Health noted that heart disease remains a leading cause of death and illnesses in the Davao region since 2022.
Health Undersecretary and DOH-Davao head Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr. said the heart continuously collaborates with bodily systems to maintain one’s health.
Dumama, however, said the health situation in the region remains a serious concern following the data from government primary health facilities.
Heart disease was the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the Davao region in 2023 with 2,528 fatalities.
Cerebrovascular disease was second while hypertensive disease was third with 2,031 deaths followed by diabetes with 1,349.
Dumama said hypertensive disease was the second most common illness in the region with 36,856 reported cases in 2023.
Records from 2022 reported 3,216 deaths caused by heart disease and 2,407 deaths caused by hypertensive disease. A total of 20,819 hypertensive disease was recorded in 2022.
Dumama said that their data came from its health information system that gathers reports from rural health units and barangay health stations tracking patient visits.
Health experts said heart diseases, also called cardiovascular diseases, affect the heart and blood vessels.
The World Health Organization said that over 80 percent of cardiovascular disease deaths are caused by heart attacks and strokes with one-third occurring in people under 70.
Dumama said poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In 2022, cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death in the Philippines.
“Taking care of your heart will lower your risk for heart diseases, stroke, and other major heart problems,” Dumama said.
The Health official encouraged people to adopt simple yet effective habits to maintain heart health.
“Quitting tobacco use, reducing salt intake, eating more fruits and vegetables, staying physically active, and avoiding alcohol have been proven to lower the risk of heart diseases,” he said.
Dumama said DOH-Davao works with partners, communities, and local government units to implement interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
He said primary care providers offer a range of services for the public seeking to check their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
Dumama assured that healthcare workers have regular training to enhance their ability to manage risk factors and treat patients with hypertension and diabetes.
He said the DOH collaborates with local leaders to develop health policies that make healthy choices more accessible and affordable, encouraging people to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Health official made the advice in line with Philippine Heart Month observed every February since 1973 under Proclamation No. 1096 signed on Jan. 9, 1973.
Dumama said the proclamation seeks to promote awareness on heart disease as a growing health concern among Filipinos.
This year’s theme, “Tamang Pagkain, Ehersisyo, at Disiplina Para sa Pusong Malusog at Masigla,” promotes proper diet and regular exercise accompanied by self-discipline to fight heart disease.