Love your heart this love month: health group

Meanwhile, Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations President Karen Villanueva said there is no cure for heart disease and only the factors that contribute to it can be treated. (File Photo: Alexandru Acea/Unsplash)

MANILA – A group of health advocates urged Filipinos on Valentine’s Day to show extra love for their hearts by keeping them in shape this heart month.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA) emphasized that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains to be the leading cause of death nationwide and worldwide.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows ischemic heart disease or coronary heart disease, caused by narrowed arteries, was the top cause of death in the country from January to September 2022.

It claimed the lives of more than 77,000 or 18.5 percent of total deaths.

Meanwhile, CVD is the leading cause of death globally killing over 18 million people each year or 33 percent of total deaths in the world.

The HPA noted that the risk factors are diverse which include poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol usage.

Persons with pre-existing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are at higher risk.

Meanwhile, Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations President Karen Villanueva said there is no cure for heart disease and only the factors that contribute to it can be treated.

“That’s why some patients struggle with adjusting to a new normal lifestyle after their diagnosis. So as early as now, change your unhealthy habits and don’t wait for a heart scare before putting your heart health first,” she said.

“Prevention is always better than cure and it is our responsibility to help manage our heart condition in partnership with our health provider.”

In line with this, the HPA encouraged everyone to destroy years of unhealthy eating and commit to more wholesome nutrition by knowing which foods to eat more or limit to prevent CVDs.

“Diet matters when it comes to heart health. It is best to choose home-cooked meals versus fast food or junk food which is high in unhealthy fat,” HPA technical adviser Maria Fatima Villena said.

“Incorporate more fiber like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help combat plaque build-up that can clog the arteries,” she said.

The HPA is a network of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) prevention and control organizations.