ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – A heart attack is often signaled by chest pain, but many patients hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. This delay can be fatal, making awareness and prompt action crucial.
The Department of Health (DOH)-9 Medical Doctor Julius Matthew Lozana emphasized the need to understand risk factors such as age and family history. He also stressed the significance of maintaining a balanced diet—low in cholesterol and high in protein—to promote heart health.
Hypertension, often referred to as the “silent killer,” is one of the most common conditions leading to severe heart complications.
Prevention programs play a vital role in reducing the prevalence of heart diseases. “Our role in DOH is to provide technical assistance to municipal, provincial, and city health centers to ensure the effective implementation of prevention programs,” he stated. Programs include workplace physical activities, community outreach, and health education initiatives.
Zamboanga City is home to various specialists who cater to heart-related conditions, ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare services. The Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), as an Apex hospital, handles more complex cardiac cases, further strengthening the region’s cardiac care capacity.
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death both globally and in the Philippines, with ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure being among the most common conditions affecting Filipinos.
According to Lozana, the heart requires proper oxygenation to function efficiently. “Kailangan talaga ng heart natin ang proper oxygenation for it to function properly, as with any organ in our body,” he explained.
DOH-IX continues to push for health education campaigns to dispel misconceptions about heart diseases. “Many believe that heart diseases only affect older adults or are purely genetic, but lifestyle factors significantly contribute to their development,” Lozana clarified. (EDT/MLE/PIA9-ZAMSULTA)
