Most of us think heart disease is something that just “happens” later in life. But did you know your daily routine—what you eat, how you deal with stress, and even the way you connect with people—can quietly shape your heart health every single day?
In the Philippines, where food is love and family is everything, caring for your heart goes beyond just watching your blood pressure. It’s about building healthy habits into your lifestyle—bit by bit, meal by meal, moment by moment.
To understand how emotions and lifestyle affect heart health, Simpol.ph spoke with Dr. Walid Amil, cardiologist and vice president of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), and Dr. Louella Santos, an internal medicine specialist focused on preventive care. Together, they break down how Filipinos can protect their hearts in simple, sustainable ways.
Love, Support, and Heart Health: The Real Connection
Yes, love really does affect your heart—literally.
According to Dr. Amil, having a strong support system helps reduce stress. “Happy relationships and a positive home environment lower cortisol, the stress hormone,” he said. “This can lead to lower blood pressure and better mental health.”
Dr. Santos agreed. “Your emotional health is deeply tied to your physical health. If you’re constantly stressed, your heart feels it. Over time, this can lead to hypertension or even heart disease.”
So whether it’s through small acts of kindness, open conversations, or shared meals, everyday love strengthens more than just your relationships—it protects your heart.
Filipino Lifestyle Habits That Hurt (or Help) the Heart
Filipinos are naturally warm, generous, and sociable. But let’s be honest—our lifestyle isn’t always heart-friendly.
Dr. Santos pointed out that common habits like overeating during fiestas, staying up late, and consuming processed or salty foods can raise health risks. “These things build up over time,” she said. “But the good news? You can make small changes today.”
Start by choosing heart-healthy Filipino dishes. For example, go for grilled bangus instead of fried, or load up on ensaladang talong and fresh fruits.
Dr. Amil added that traditional beliefs, like avoiding baths after exercise (pasma), may delay proper self-care. “Instead, we should embrace activities like morning walks, dancing, or playing with kids,” he said. “All these keep you active—and that’s great for your heart.”
The Truth About Chocolate (and Stress Eating)
Chocolate often feels like comfort food—but is it healthy?
“Dark chocolate with high cocoa content contains antioxidants that are good for your heart,” said Dr. Amil. “Just don’t overdo it.”
Dr. Santos warned against sugary treats. “Milk chocolate and sweets high in sugar and fat can actually do more harm than good,” she said. “If you’re reaching for comfort food because of stress, that’s a signal. It might be time to look at better ways to cope.”
For the full story on why more Filipino youth are facing heart disease and what we can do to prevent it, read the article: Why Are More Filipino Youth Getting Heart Disease?
How Stress Breaks the Heart
Emotional stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it also affects your heart rate, blood pressure, and hormones.
In fact, there’s a real condition called Broken Heart Syndrome. “It happens when intense emotions trigger sudden heart issues,” Dr. Amil explained. “It can feel like a heart attack.”
The solution? Be proactive. Dr. Santos suggests simple stress-busting habits: “Try journaling, deep breathing, light workouts, or simply spending time with loved ones. And if things feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask for help.”
Heart Health Habits You Can Start Today
Want to start building better habits for heart health? You don’t have to change everything at once. Try these:
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Walk around your barangay every morning.
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Cook a heart-healthy ulam at least once a day.
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Drink more water; cut back on sugary drinks.
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Choose fruits over processed desserts.
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Sleep 7–8 hours every night.
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Laugh, dance, stretch, and connect.
Dr. Amil added, “Doing these things with a partner or your family makes them more enjoyable. That shared experience strengthens both your heart and your bond.”
The Urgency of Heart Health in the Philippines
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, ischemic heart diseases accounted for 19.8% of total deaths in 2024, translating to over 60,000 lives lost. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of proactive heart care.
Dr. Santos emphasized, “Many people wait until symptoms appear. But prevention saves lives. Screenings, lifestyle tweaks, even just knowing your blood pressure—these are powerful tools.”
Dr. Amil is currently working on expanding access to cardiology services nationwide, especially in provincial areas. “More clinics, more support, and better access to life-saving treatments—that’s the goal,” he said.
Everyday Acts of Love Are Good for the Heart
In the end, caring for your heart isn’t just about diet or exercise—it’s about how you live, love, and show up for yourself and others every day.
So cook something healthy. Call someone you care about. Go for that walk. Laugh a little more.
Because the best way to take care of your heart… is to live with heart.
