Heart health is a significant public health concern in the Philippines, where cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have emerged as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. CVDs, which include heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related issues, account for nearly 35% of deaths in the country annually. Various factors contribute to the high prevalence of heart disease, including lifestyle choices, socioeconomic conditions, limited healthcare access, and underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
Lifestyle and Risk Factors
One of the primary contributors to heart health problems in the Philippines is the high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles. Sedentary living, poor dietary habits, and smoking are common risk factors. Filipinos are increasingly consuming diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats, often due to the rising influence of fast food culture and urbanization. Traditional diets rich in vegetables, fish, and lean meats have been replaced by foods high in salt, sugar, and cholesterol, leading to higher rates of hypertension and cholesterol-related issues. Moreover, physical inactivity, particularly in urban areas, exacerbates the problem, as many people engage in desk-bound jobs or lack access to safe spaces for exercise.
Smoking also plays a significant role in the heart health crisis. Despite efforts to reduce smoking through legislation and health campaigns, tobacco use remains widespread, with nearly 15 million Filipino adults smoking daily. This, combined with high levels of air pollution in cities, further increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Hypertension and Diabetes
Hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes are major contributors to the heart health crisis. According to the Philippine Heart Association, approximately 28% of Filipino adults suffer from hypertension, a condition that often goes undiagnosed until it results in severe complications such as heart attacks or strokes. Diabetes is another growing concern, affecting about 7 million Filipinos. Both conditions place considerable stress on the cardiovascular system and are often poorly managed due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure and patient education.
Healthcare Access and Awareness
Access to quality healthcare in the Philippines is another critical factor influencing heart health outcomes. While there are public health campaigns aimed at educating Filipinos about heart health, many people still lack awareness of the risks and symptoms associated with CVDs. Furthermore, healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, are often under-resourced, and many Filipinos do not have access to regular check-ups or early diagnosis of heart conditions. This results in late-stage interventions when heart problems have already progressed significantly, limiting treatment options and increasing mortality rates.
Additionally, the cost of healthcare can be prohibitive for many Filipinos. Even with the expansion of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), out-of-pocket expenses for medications, hospitalizations, and long-term care remain a burden for many families, especially those living below the poverty line. This financial strain often leads to delayed treatment or non-adherence to prescribed medications.
SUMMARY
In conclusion, heart health in the Philippines remains a critical public health issue driven by lifestyle changes, socioeconomic challenges, and healthcare access disparities. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on public health education, better access to healthcare services, and policy reforms aimed at reducing risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, and physical inactivity.