DOH: Cases of heart attack, stroke, asthma higher by 5 percent this year
The Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday that 288 cases of heart attack, stroke and asthma were reported between Dec. 21 and Dec. 31, an increase of 5 percent compared to the 274 cases that were recorded during the same period last year.
Based on reports gathered by the DOH from 10 sentinel sites (selected health facilities) during this year’s holiday season, there were 77 cases of acute coronary syndrome or heart attack, 180 cases of acute stroke and 31 cases of bronchial asthma.
A total of five deaths were recorded, three due to stroke and the remaining two due to acute coronary syndrome.
Warning signs
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa pointed out that the number of stroke, heart attack and asthma cases was actually higher than that reported by the DOH since the gathered data was not from all hospitals, only sentinel sites.
He urged the public to learn to spot the signs of someone having a stroke, which includes facial asymmetry and slurred speech. Another way would be to ask that person to raise their arms and keep them straight as a stroke victim would be unable to comply.
“They should be brought immediately to the emergency department when they exhibit those kinds of signs. It should not be left for tomorrow,” Herbosa said.
He also warned that those with preexisting heart conditions could suffer from acute coronary syndrome or heart attack as he urged them to practice moderation during the holiday season.
Those suffering from asthma or chronic obstructive lung illnesses should also take care as they may be affected by the amount of smoke coming from fireworks or firecrackers as people celebrate the coming of the New Year.
“It’s very important that the PNP (Philippine National Police) is implementing within LGUs (local government units) the community fireworks display. That is safer because it’s farther away; all you have to do is watch. Everybody is happy,” Herbosa said.
“[Fireworks] in front of houses is now prohibited. The PNP is now catching them. There is a designated fireworks area,” he added.
According to the DOH, around 54 percent of victims that suffered fireworks-related injuries include those actively involved in using them while others were passive victims.
While firework-related injuries are now up to 140 cases as of Dec. 30, Herbosa said a national ban on firecrackers may be difficult to implement because of “socio-cultural sensitivities.”
The DOH noted that at the moment, 10 LGUs in Metro Manila have imposed a total ban on firecrackers: Navotas, Pateros, Marikina, Quezon City, Makati, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Pasay.
