February is known in the country as “Philippine Heart Month” under Proclamation No. 1096. It aims to promote a healthier nation by encouraging people to maintain a healthy heart. The observance seeks to spread awareness and promote activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle and heart health.

This initiative is further supported by a recent statement released by the Philippine Statistics Authority in November 2024, that ischemic heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Philippines. It accounts for 20.2% of the total deaths (30,848 cases) in the country.

Ischemic Heart Disease

This is a condition that develops when the heart muscle is weakened due to a reduced supply of oxygen-rich blood. This reduced blood flow is primarily caused by coronary artery disease, a condition where the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become narrowed or blocked by the buildup of fatty deposits, also known as plaques. Over time, this narrowing
restricts the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, particularly during physical exertion or stress.

As ischemic heart disease progresses, the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently diminishes. This forces the heart to work harder to maintain blood circulation throughout the body, placing additional strain on the heart muscle. This strain can lead to a variety of serious complications, such as:

1. Blood Clots: Reduced blood flow can increase the risk of clots forming in the coronary arteries, potentially leading to heart attacks.
2. Heart Valve Disease: The additional stress on the heart can impair the function of the heart valves, leading to further inefficiencies in blood flow. 
3. Heart Failure: Over time, the heart may become too weak to meet the body’s demands, resulting in heart failure.
4. Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Arrhythmias): Damage to the heart muscle can disrupt the electrical signals that regulate heartbeats, causing irregular rhythms.
5. Other Complications: Persistent ischemia can lead to chronic chest pain (angina) or even sudden cardiac arrest in severe cases.
6.  

1.  Keep Your Body Active by Engaging in Physical Activities
   Even short bursts of activity benefit the heart. If you can’t maintain a regular exercise routine, just five minutes of movement helps! Everyday activities like gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs, and walking the dog all contribute. You don’t need intense workouts to see results, but increasing the intensity, duration, and frequency of your activity can provide even greater benefits.
2. . Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
   A heart-healthy diet includes:
   ● Plenty of vegetables and fruits
   ● Beans and other legumes
   ● Lean meats and fish
   ● Low-fat or fat-free dairy products
   ● Whole grains
   ● Healthy fats like olive oil and avocado
3. Avoid Processed Foods
   Processed meats (like sausages, hot dogs, and bacon) and packaged snacks are often high in saturated fats and preservatives, which can raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL), leading to clogged arteries and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
4. Cut Down on Sugar and Salt
   Reducing sugar and salt in your diet is essential to maintaining heart health: preventing high blood pressure, and lowering the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
5. Get Quality Sleep
   Getting quality sleep is essential to both physical and mental well-being. It allows the body to recover, repair, and function optimally. Poor sleep can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and weakened immunity.
6. Maintain a Healthy Weight
   A healthy body weight promotes overall well-being, lowers the risk of chronic diseases, and helps a person perform at their best in daily activities. It’s not just about the number on the scale, but about achieving a balance between body fat, muscle mass, and overall health.
7. Have Regular Check-ups
   Regular check-ups allow healthcare professionals to monitor risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes—conditions that significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Managing these factors through lifestyle changes or medication can help prevent life-threatening complications.

Capitol Medical Center offers comprehensive diagnostics and treatments tailored to our clients’ needs. We have partnered with Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) to offer Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, making this treatment option more accessible and
affordable to patients. 

Book a schedule now! Call (02) 8372-3825 or (02) 5318-5100 and get your heart checked!
Have a Healthy Heart for a Healthy Life!