From the Research
The leading cause of death in the Philippines is ischemic heart disease, which accounts for approximately 17% of all deaths in the country. This cardiovascular condition occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough blood flow due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, typically caused by atherosclerosis. Following closely behind are cerebrovascular diseases (stroke), which are the second leading cause of death, while neoplasms (cancers) rank third. Other significant causes include pneumonia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertensive diseases. The high prevalence of heart disease in the Philippines is linked to several risk factors including unhealthy diet high in salt and fat, physical inactivity, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and inadequate healthcare access. The country's increasing urbanization has also contributed to more sedentary lifestyles and consumption of processed foods. Prevention strategies include maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol, regular health check-ups, and controlling conditions like hypertension and diabetes that increase cardiovascular risk, as supported by recent studies on cardiovascular disease prevention, such as the use of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors 1, and the role of beta-blockers in the prevention and treatment of ischemic heart disease 2.
Some key points to consider in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease include:
- The importance of early intervention and treatment, as highlighted in studies on the use of statins and aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease 3, 4
- The need for a comprehensive approach to prevention, including lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic therapy, as discussed in the context of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors 1, 2
- The potential benefits and risks of different treatment strategies, such as the use of aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer, as examined in recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses 5, 4.
Overall, the most effective approach to reducing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life in the Philippines will involve a multifaceted strategy that addresses the various risk factors and causes of cardiovascular disease, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacologic therapy, and early intervention and treatment, as supported by the latest evidence from high-quality studies 1, 2.