THE Department of Health on Wednesday said cases of heart attack, stroke and asthma were 38 percent lower compared to the figures for the same period last year 2024.
It said that 18 additional cases of heart attack, stroke and asthma were recorded from Dec. 21 to Dec. 24, based on monitoring from 10 pilot surveillance sites nationwide.
Official data also showed that most acute coronary syndrome cases involved adults aged 60 to 69, accounting for 14 of the 25 cases logged during the reporting period.
Acute stroke cases followed a similar pattern, with 15 of the 45 recorded patients also falling within the 60 to 69 age group.
In contrast, bronchial asthma cases were most common among children, with four of the nine reported patients aged zero to nine years old.
The figures, according to the DOH, reflect recurring seasonal patterns in non-communicable diseases during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
In a health advisory, the agency reminded the public to avoid overeating, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and unmanaged stress to reduce the risk of heart attacks.,
For stroke prevention, they urged Filipinos to maintain normal blood pressure, stay physically active and seek immediate medical attention for sudden numbness or weakness.
Asthma patients were advised to avoid triggers such as dust and smoke, keep their surroundings clean, and always carry prescribed inhalers and medication.
Earlier, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa noted that doctors have recently observed stroke cases among younger adults, including patients as young as 29 years old.
He also said some patients initially present with chest pain or difficulty of breathing that later turns out to be linked to mental health concerns such as depression and loneliness during the holidays.
“That is not something to be taken lightly. It was good that depression and loneliness during the holiday season were mentioned. We are also seeing this in our cases,” said Herbosa.
Meanwhile, all government hospitals nationwide have been placed under Code White Alert status to ensure readiness for Christmas and New Year emergencies.
