"Patients do not want to go to the hospital because they know that they will spend a lot of money."
“Where Do Broken Hearts Go” was not a web conference about complicated relationships. But it talked about love. Not the love that keeps us glued to K-dramas. It focused on the love for the most hardworking muscle of the body—the human heart.
We sometimes call our heart the “inner voice.” In times of trouble it rises to power as “the voice of God.” Its main physical function is to keep the body alive by supplying oxygen-filled blood to our body’s tissues. Considering its many functions, we must truly give our heart the love it deserves if we intend to have a long and healthy life.
“Where Do Broken Hearts Go” was a webicon organized by the cardiologists at Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC).
CSMC executive officer Dr. Regidor Encabo debunked the long-running perception that cardiovascular diseases only occur in adults aged 60 and above. According to him, there has been a rise in the number of younger people suffering from the disease in recent years.
“That is why it is vital that people learn how to identify and manage heart disease risk factors,” said Dr. Encabo.
The 2018 study released by the Philippine Statistics Authority ranked cardiovascular disease as the number one cause of death in the Philippines.
Dr. Lourdes Ella Santos, Preventive Cardiology head, stressed the importance of immediately addressing the risk factors leading to the disease. Sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and many others can lead to heart disease.
In order to keep one’s health in check, Dr. Santos suggested a lipid profile test to measure the concentration of fats and cholesterol in the blood. If the tests show that the bad cholesterol is beyond the normal level, then it’s time for a lifestyle change which includes diet and exercise.
Individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle or are overweight and tire easily or suffer from shortness of breath are likewise advised to visit their doctors. “The role of a preventive cardiologist is to help individuals minimize the risk factors and prevent the disease,” emphasized Dr. Santos.
Still on the topic of broken hearts, the discussion also focused on heart failure. According to Heart Failure Unit head Dr. Rucci Cruz, this happens when the heart cannot pump out blood or when the heart chambers are so thick they limit the amount of blood going to the heart.
Hypertension or coronary artery disease is the common cause of heart failure. This occurs when there is a buildup of cholesterol in the arteries. It can also be caused by faulty heart valves which push the heart to work faster.
Dr. Cruz stressed that the best way to prevent heart disease is maintaining good physical and mental health, as well as minimizing stress levels. Regular visits to the doctor are also important.
“A heart failure diagnosis is usually made based on your medical history. If you think you have the symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor for a proper physical examination,” explained Dr. Cruz.
Despite the oft-repeated recommendation of consulting with a physician, Cardiovascular Institute’s chairman Dr. Ariel Miranda has observed that Filipinos do not exactly like going to the doctors.
“Patients do not want to go to the hospital because they know that they will spend a lot of money. Even those who get admitted to the ER due to heart attack still can’t decide if they would want to undergo treatment because they’re thinking of the expenses,” he shared, thereby highlighting the value of taking care of our heart.
