ILOILO — Health officials in Western Visayas are linking the growing number of stroke cases in the region to poor compliance among hypertension patients.
The Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) reported recording thousands of stroke-related consultations and admissions over the past year.
According to Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, stroke cases monitored by WVMC jumped from 808 in 2024 to 2,326 in 2025.
In April 2026 alone, the hospital already logged 157 cases, or an average of four to five stroke patients seeking treatment or admission daily.
Quiñon said many hypertension patients may not be taking their maintenance medicines regularly, contributing to the rising number of stroke incidents.
“So, pangabay ta lang sa aton nga mga kautoran: Kun kita na-diagnose nga may hypertension, kinahanglan everyday gid na naton without fail nga mag-inum sang aton bulong,” she said.
She emphasized that lifestyle also plays a major role in preventing stroke, urging the public to limit salty and fatty foods, avoid alcohol and smoking or vaping, exercise regularly, and properly manage diabetes and cholesterol.
Quiñon warned that hypertension is a “silent” illness because patients often do not notice symptoms until they suddenly suffer a stroke or myocardial infarction.
To help residents identify stroke symptoms, she encouraged the public to remember the “FAST” warning signs — Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to go to the hospital immediately.
“Every second matters. Bring the patient to the nearest hospital immediately,” Quiñon stressed, advising families not to delay treatment through massages or herbal remedies.
The IPHO also encouraged residents aged 20 years old and above to undergo screening at Primary Care Facilities and Rural Health Units to determine their risk for hypertension and whether they already require medication./PN
