Matters of the heart

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published Feb 8, 2026 12:05 am

February is often called the month of hearts—thanks largely to Valentine’s Day, with its flowers, chocolates, and professions of love. But beyond romance, February carries a more urgent reminder. It is Philippine Heart Month, a designation that underscores a reality we cannot afford to ignore – heart disease remains the country’s leading cause of death.

Declared under Proclamation No. 1096 in 1973, Philippine Heart Month was meant to promote national awareness, continuing education, and collective action against cardiovascular disease. More than five decades later, the challenge persists, intensified by lifestyle changes, limited access to care, and the growing spread of health misinformation.

The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) has raised alarm over the rise of false and misleading information about heart disease circulating on social media. Cardiologists report that some patients are persuaded by friends, neighbors, or online sources to stop taking prescribed medication once they feel better—despite medical advice that such treatment is often lifelong. This dangerous misconception can delay recovery, worsen illness, and, in many cases, prove fatal.

To counter fake news, the PHA has stepped up efforts through lectures, community consultations, and public education campaigns, particularly during the observance of Philippine Heart Month. With the theme “Bringing heart care closer to every Filipino all over the country,” the association, together with the Department of Health (DOH), continues to stress that heart health decisions must be guided by science and medical expertise—not viral posts or hearsay.

The DOH has likewise reiterated the basics of heart disease prevention: early intervention, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular health checkups. The advice is clear and consistent—eat a proper and balanced diet, avoid vices such as smoking and excessive alcohol intake, engage in regular physical activity, and consult health professionals regularly.

These recommendations may sound simple, but following them is not always easy, especially in a country where access to specialized care remains uneven.

According to the PHA, there is only one cardiologist for every 44,000 Filipinos nationwide, and nearly half of these specialists are based in Metro Manila. This concentration leaves many provinces with limited or no access to cardiology services, making early diagnosis and timely treatment difficult for patients outside the National Capital Region.

The imbalance has serious consequences. Heart disease does not wait for convenience, nor does it respect geography. Delayed consultations and untreated conditions can quickly turn fatal, particularly in areas where specialist care is scarce. While the PHA is expanding its network by opening new chapters and planning subchapters in underserved provinces, the shortage highlights the need for stronger preventive measures and better primary care support at the community level.

Recent data further underscore the urgency. Government health records show that more than one in three Filipinos were affected by heart disease in 2024. In Metro Manila alone, ischemic heart disease claimed nearly 24,000 lives that year. These are not just statistics—they represent families broken, livelihoods lost, and futures cut short.

Philippine Heart Month is a reminder that caring for the heart is both a personal responsibility and a national concern. In an era when misinformation spreads faster than medical advice, choosing to listen to qualified health professionals can save lives.

February may celebrate hearts in a symbolic sense, but its deeper meaning lies in protecting the very organ that sustains life. We have only one heart. Taking care of it—through informed choices, healthy habits, and timely medical care—is the truest expression of self-love, and one the nation must continue to promote long after the month ends.