Heart disease has long been associated with older adults, but recent trends indicate a troubling rise in cases among younger individuals. Dr. Myla Supe, a medical specialist at the Philippine Heart Center, said in an exclusive Simpol.ph interview that lifestyle changes and increased awareness are crucial in reversing this trend.
According to Supe, heart attacks occur when blood vessels supplying the heart become blocked, a condition known as atherosclerosis, the gradual buildup of plaque in the arteries. In some cases, a blood clot can form and trigger an embolic event, further restricting blood flow.
While heart attacks are more common globally, strokes, often referred to as “brain attacks,” are more prevalent in the Philippines and other lower-income countries. “People often confuse heart attacks and strokes because they share similar risk factors, but they affect different organs,” Supe explained. “A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, leading to paralysis, speech difficulties, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. A heart attack, on the other hand, affects the coronary arteries and presents as chest pain or shortness of breath.”
Contrary to dramatic portrayals in movies, heart attacks do not always present as sudden, intense chest pain. “It’s not always the classic clutching of the chest,” Supe said. “Instead, people may feel a crushing sensation, experience shortness of breath, or notice they tire easily while walking or climbing stairs.”
In contrast, strokes often present as weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, dizziness, or sudden unconsciousness. Recognizing these symptoms early can be life-saving.
While heart disease has traditionally been linked to older adults, lifestyle changes have led to a growing number of younger patients suffering from heart attacks and strokes.
“Many assume heart disease is only for the elderly, but that’s no longer the case,” Supe warned. She pointed to modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.
“Hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol are preventable and manageable. That’s why we always advocate for regular monitoring of these health markers,” she said.
Other traditional risk factors include gender, age, and family history. “Men are at a higher risk than women, and as we age, the risk increases. But what’s particularly concerning is that even teenagers are now being diagnosed with hypertension,” she added.
Lifestyle changes in the digital age have contributed significantly to the rise of heart disease among younger populations.
Supe pointed to several concerning trends.
Young people think they’re avoiding cigarettes, but vaping is actually worse. The flavors and packaging make it appealing, but studies show it’s more harmful than traditional smoking. Many young professionals and students suffer from sleep deprivation due to work shifts and excessive screen time.
Filipinos consume too much salt, which damages blood vessels and increases the risk of hypertension. With everything now accessible online, people move less. Meetings that used to require travel are now done virtually, leading to prolonged sitting and inactivity.
Exercise plays a vital role in preventing heart disease. “We advocate for limiting screen time and promoting physical activity,” Supe said. The Philippine Heart Association has even introduced the “Fit Heart Minute,” encouraging people to take movement breaks during conferences.
“Even simple activities like walking can significantly reduce risk. Studies show that just 15 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise per day can improve longevity,” she added.
A poor diet is a major contributor to heart disease. “Excess sugar leads to diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity,” Supe explained. “Excess carbohydrates turn into fat, which gets stored in the liver and released into the bloodstream as cholesterol and triglycerides, damaging blood vessels over time.”
Shockingly, studies have found that artery blockages can begin as early as age six due to unhealthy diets, a phenomenon unheard of decades ago.
Salt, another common culprit, also wreaks havoc on cardiovascular health. “Too much salt alters the body’s balance and damages blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure,” she noted.
Although genetics play a role in heart disease, lifestyle choices have a greater impact. “We can’t change our parents, but we can change how we live,” Supe said.
“If heart disease runs in your family, you need to be more proactive. Eat right, exercise, avoid smoking and vaping, and monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.”
She emphasized that early prevention is key, as many Filipinos only seek medical help when it’s too late. “Many come to us already having suffered a heart attack or stroke. We need to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach.”
Supe outlined simple yet effective ways to lower the risk of heart disease.
Follow the “Pinggang Pinoy” guide: half of your plate should be vegetables, one-fourth protein, and one-fourth carbohydrates. Walking 10,000 steps a day is a good goal. Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.
Lack of sleep increases stress and affects heart health. There’s no safe amount. The new recommendation is zero alcohol and zero smoking.
Particularly for children, screen time should be capped at one hour per day. Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Don’t wait for symptoms, as heart disease is often silent.
While there are risk calculators available, many are based on Western populations and may underestimate the risk for Filipinos. “The Philippines is now developing its own risk scoring system,” Supe said, noting that Filipinos in the Asia-Pacific region tend to have higher cardiovascular risk compared to Western populations.
Institutions like the Philippine Heart Association and the Philippine Heart Center are actively promoting heart health awareness through educational programs. “We need to educate not just healthcare professionals but also the general public,” Supe said.
Heart disease is no longer just a problem for the elderly. “We’re seeing younger and younger patients in emergency rooms, cath labs, and operating rooms. No one is invincible,” she noted.
She urged Filipinos to take control of their health. “We have only one life. We are not Superman. Let’s take care of our health while we still can.”
