DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — A cardiologist in the Ilocos Region has warned the public that excessive consumption of salty and fatty food significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD)—the most common type of heart disease among Filipinos.
This concern is particularly relevant in the region, where local delicacies are often high in salt and fat, such as bagoong (fermented fish paste) in Pangasinan, dinengdeng (vegetable stew with fermented fish sauce) in La Union, Vigan longganisa (garlic sausage) in Ilocos Sur, and bagnet (crispy deep-fried belly) in Ilocos Norte.
Dr. Nathaniel Cortez, cardiovascular coordinator at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC), explained that excessive consumption of these substances can cause blockages in the arteries, restricting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and potentially leading to severe complications or even death.
“Regardless of age, whether a child, middle-aged, or elderly, as long as a person has high cholesterol, they are at risk of developing CAD. Its advanced stages often lead to a heart attack,” Cortez said in the Pantongtongan Tayo (Let’s Talk About It) virtual presser of PIA Pangasinan on Feb. 10.
Impact on individual’s health
Izza Sophia Dizon, a 17-year-old resident of Dagupan City, shared that her love for salty and fatty foods, such as instant noodles, itlog maalat (salted eggs), mangoes dipped in bagoong, and street food, led to her hospitalization due to breathing difficulties.
Her doctor explained that frequent consumption of salty foods had strained her kidneys, leading to possible complications.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that excessive salt intake burdens the kidneys, causing water retention, increased blood volume, and high blood pressure, which raises the risk of heart disease, heart failure, and stroke.
“As of now, I am avoiding salty and fatty foods because last week, I felt occasional pain in my flank. I know it is a sign that my infection could get worse,” Dizon said.
Heart disease: A leading cause of death
According to a Jan. 31 report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the top three causes of death in the country for 2024 were:
- Ischemic disease (another term for CAD) — 19.8 percent of total deaths;
- Neoplasms (abnormal growth of tissues) — 11.1 percent; and
- Cerebrovascular disease (conditions that affect blood flow to the brain) — 10.0 percent.
In Region 1, Cortez added that acute coronary syndrome—a CAD complication that causes heart attacks and unstable angina (chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow in the heart)—is the second leading cause of death (1.91 percent), following cerebrovascular diseases (1.94 percent).
Other common heart diseases include rheumatic heart disease and valvular heart disease.
Steps to a healthier heart
To prevent heart disease, Cortez emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while avoiding processed foods and unhealthy fats.
Staying active is also crucial, whether through regular walking, jogging for those with good endurance, or joining community fitness programs.
Managing stress through meditation, relaxation techniques, or enjoyable hobbies can also help.
Cortez also encouraged quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake to reduce the risk of heart-related problems.
Access to free heart check-ups
Cortez shared that ITMRC offers free cardiology consultations every Wednesday.
“In Pangasinan, llocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur, there are many cardiologists available in both government and private hospitals,” he added, stressing the importance of regular check-ups for early detection of heart disease and hypertension, which often develop silently.
Heart disease is silent but deadly, and the time to act is now.
Prioritize your heart health today because every beat matters. (CCMT/AMB/JCDR, PIA Pangasinan)
