Stroke, heart attack cases spike ahead of New Year

December 31, 2025 | 12:08pm

MANILA, Philippines — Stroke and acute coronary syndrome cases, including heart attacks, increased this holiday season compared with 2024, according to the Department of Health (DOH). 

In just one week, the total number of cases of acute coronary syndrome and stroke more than doubled by the morning of December 31. Stroke cases rose from 81 on December 26 to 180, while acute coronary syndrome cases increased from 30 to 77.

Seniors aged 60 to 69 are reportedly the most affected, representing about 36% of acute coronary syndrome cases and 29% of stroke cases.

Bronchial asthma cases followed a similar pattern but remained fewer than in 2024, reaching 31 just before the year’s major New Year festivities, which could trigger more cases due to firework smoke.

Eight cases involved children aged zero to nine.

A total of five deaths have already been recorded from acute complications of the 288 non-communicable disease cases recorded so far, with three caused by stroke and two by acute coronary syndrome or heart attacks.

Moderation, early consultation urged

While holiday celebrations are meant to be enjoyed, the DOH stressed that moderating food and alcohol intake is crucial for reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases.

Individuals can lower the risk of acute coronary syndrome by avoiding overeating, smoking, alcohol and stress, as well as by seeking immediate medical consultation if chest tightness or breathing difficulties start to occur.

Meanwhile, preventing a stroke requires maintaining normal blood pressure and lowering consumption of foods high in sodium, sugar and cholesterol, such as ultra-processed items. 

Filipinos are also encouraged to wear masks during New Year celebrations to prevent inhaling smoke from fireworks and to avoid developing pulmonary diseases. 

NCDs remain leading killers

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, non-communicable diseases remain the country’s leading causes of death, with ischemic heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension ranking among the top 10 in 2025.

Ischemic heart disease alone accounted for one-fifth of the more than 200,000 registered deaths from January to April 2025. The condition is primarily caused by arteriosclerosis, or chronic inflammation of the arteries, which leads to cholesterol buildup and an increased risk of blood clots that can trigger a heart attack or stroke.