Ischaemic heart disease, neoplasms, and cerebrovascular diseases were the top three causes of death in the country in 2023, according to the latest report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

These were also the leading causes of death in 2022, the agency noted.

Based on the information provided, ischemic heart diseases, which occur when the heart weakens due to reduced blood flow into it, were recorded as the leading cause of death with 107,767 cases, accounting for 19.0 percent of the total deaths in the country last year.

Neoplasms, or the abnormal growth of cancerous or noncancerous mass, were logged as second with 60,906 deaths accounting for about 10.7 percent.

Cerebrovascular diseases, defined as a group of conditions that affect blood flow and the blood vessels in the brain, were the third leading cause of death, with 57,288 recorded cases.

“Deaths due to diabetes mellitus recorded 36,039 cases or 6.3 percent share, making it the fourth leading cause of death, while deaths due to pneumonia, which ranked fifth, recorded 34,507 cases or 6.1 percent share,” the PSA added.

The Department of Health has been warning of lifestyle risks that normally cause heart diseases and even trigger heart attacks.

DOH Spokesman and Assistant Secretary, Dr. Albert Domingo, has reminded, “Pay attention to our doctor and take care of our heart health for a better quality of life free from heart problems and the worry of developing cardiovascular diseases.”

Last February, the department launched the campaign dubbed, ‘Puso ang Piliin ngayong Heart Month (Choose Heart this Heart Month).’ The celebration aimed to rally public support for promoting cardiovascular health and wellness, especially in light of the increasing number of people affected by heart disease in the country.

Dr. Domingo underscored, “Beyond Heart Month, let’s remember to love our hearts everyday!”

Major risk factors for heart diseases include smoking, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, and sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity, which all elevate blood pressure, lipids, glucose, and obesity, the DOH emphasized.

Dr. Domingo has outlined key recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) for controlling and preventing heart disease at the individual level, stressing the importance of what he termed as ‘proactive health management.’

He discussed that this includes avoiding smoking or use of tobacco, avoiding excessive or harmful intake of alcohol. reducing salt consumption and avoiding salty foods, increasing the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables, and engaging in regular physical activity,

“If you notice symptoms of heart problems in your body such as experiencing chest pains, shortness of breath, swelling in the feet, ankles, or knees, fatigue, or palpitation, visit your nearest health center and consult your physician or health worker,” Domingo advised.