ILOILO City — Heart disease cases in Western Visayas have reached 58,439 as of August 2026, prompting health authorities to sound the alarm over lifestyle habits that continue to expose thousands of residents — including younger adults — to potentially fatal cardiovascular illnesses.
Latest morbidity data from the Field Health Service Information System (FHSIS) showed the huge cardiovascular disease burden in the region, reinforcing the Department of Health DOH) – Western Visayas Center for Health Development’s call for residents to act on preventable risk factors before they develop into hypertension, diabetes, heart disease or other serious conditions.
The warning takes on greater urgency as cardiovascular illnesses remain major killers in Western Visayas.
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed that in 2024, acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack, was the leading cause of death among males in the region at 11.8 percent and the second leading cause among females at 11 percent.
Hypertensive heart disease accounted for another 6.4 percent.
DOH said older adults continue to carry the heaviest burden of heart disease, with those aged 60 and above accounting for 56 percent of reported cases.
But cardiovascular risks are also appearing among younger Western Visayans. Adults aged 20 to 39 account for seven percent of cases.
While available data do not indicate an exponential increase in heart disease among young adults, DOH said the presence of cardiovascular risks in this age group underscores the need for early screening and prevention.
Health authorities identified unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption among the major lifestyle factors increasing cardiovascular risks.
Frequent consumption of food high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats can increase blood pressure and cardiovascular strain, while sedentary lifestyles contribute to long-term health risks. Tobacco and harmful alcohol consumption can also damage the heart and blood vessels.
People don’t have to wait until someone develops hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease before taking action, health officials noted. Simple, consistent changes — such as reducing salt intake, moving more, avoiding tobacco, and monitoring blood pressure — offer powerful protection, DOH stressed.
DOH urged Western Visayans to regularly monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels and to undergo early risk assessment.
Residents were also encouraged to eat a balanced diet, reduce their intake of salt, sugar and unhealthy fats, engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, stay away from tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption.
Those diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol should consistently take their prescribed medications, the agency added.
“Small, consistent lifestyle adjustments can significantly lower your long-term health risks,” it added.
DOH stressed that cardiovascular diseases are largely preventable and that protecting the heart should become an everyday concern rather than something addressed only after serious symptoms or complications appear.
“Let us remember that protecting our heart starts with knowing our risks and taking action early. Let us not wait for a heart attack or stroke before we take care of our heart. Know your numbers, know your risks, and take action today. A healthy heart means a healthier family, a healthier community, and a healthier Philippines,” DOH stressed./PN
