MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) reported an increase in stroke and acute coronary syndrome cases, including heart attacks, during the holiday season compared with the same period in 2024.

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

The DOH said seniors aged 60 to 69 were the most affected, accounting for about 36% of acute coronary syndrome cases and 29% of stroke cases.

Bronchial asthma cases also showed an increase but remained fewer than in 2024, reaching 31 cases ahead of the major New Year festivities, which could trigger additional cases due to firework smoke. Eight of the reported cases involved children aged zero to nine.

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

The DOH urged the public to exercise moderation during holiday celebrations, stressing that controlling food and alcohol intake is crucial in reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases.

To lower the risk of acute coronary syndrome, the health department advised avoiding overeating, smoking, alcohol, and stress, and seeking immediate medical consultation if symptoms such as chest tightness or difficulty breathing occur.

For stroke prevention, the DOH said maintaining normal blood pressure and reducing the intake of foods high in sodium, sugar, and cholesterol, including ultra-processed products, are important. Filipinos were also encouraged to wear face masks during New Year celebrations to avoid inhaling firework smoke and developing pulmonary diseases.

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

Ischemic heart disease accounted for about 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 increases the risk of blood clots that can result in heart attacks or strokes.