Heart Disease, second leading cause of death in Antique
San Jose, Antique – Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in the province next to pneumonia said Mildred Quilino, Information Officer, Provincial Health Office.
Provincial Health reported that for the past five years since 2001 to 2005 there are 344 deaths due to heart disease. It has increased to 559 in 2006. Most of the victims were men with 299 cases and women 260. Higher percentage of older people aged 50 and above died due to heart disease, however there are also deaths as young as 16-49 years old.
Most common heart diseases were myocardial degeneration, myocardial infarction, congenital health failure, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, cardiac arythemia, rheumatic heart disease, valvular heart disease, essential hypertension and central nervous system infection.
In celebration of the Heart Month this February, the Department of Health advocates for healthy lifestyle to avoid heart diseases with the theme " Moving towards heart health; Mag Healthy Lifestyle Tayo".
Cognizant of the increasing prevalence of lifestyle related diseases such as heart disease, DOH has taken as one of its priorities, the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles. The promotion of healthy lifestyles emphasizes the anti-smoking campaign, regular physical activity and weight control. It also includes healthy diet and nutrition, stress management and regular health check up.
PHO encouraged everyone to take good care of their heart by following the messages of the healthy lifestyle. (PS Mabaquiao/PIA)