MANILA, Philippines—Here’s disheartening news:  the number of heart disease cases in the Philippines is on the rise, even as heart disease has remained the leading cause of death in the country these past ten years.

Local and international data collated by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) showed that the number of registered deaths due to diseases of the heart has increased to 20 percent in 2008 and 21 percent in 2009, from 16.5 percent in 2000.  Out of every 100,000 deaths all over the Philippines in 2000, 78 were traced to heart disease.  This, the NSCB said, surged to 102 deaths in 2008 and 109 deaths in 2009.

The report posted on the NSCB web site noted that the National Capital Region (NCR) has the highest prevalence rate of heart disease and that more men than women die from it.  Diseases of the heart have consistently been the leading cause of death in the Philippines for the past ten years, it added.  The World Health Organization also cited heart disease as the leading cause of death in the world in 2008.

Among the regions, the highest prevalence rate with 151 deaths due to heart disease in 2009 is consistently in the NCR, “the major center of economic activities in the country,” the NSCB said. The Ilocos Region has the second highest prevalence rate, while the lowest prevalence rates are in the ARMM with nine deaths in 2009, and Soccsksargen, with 65 deaths in 2009.

The NSCB also quoted tips from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute to keep heart disease under control:

• Keep your blood glucose under control. Have an “A1C test” twice a year. The A1C test measures a person’s average blood glucose level for the past two to three months. The higher the blood glucose level, the higher the A1C result.

• Keep your blood pressure under control. Below 130/80 is the target for most people.

• Keep your cholesterol level under control. Have it checked at least once a year. The target for most people for Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol is below 100, while the High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol should be above 40 for men, and above 50 for women. Triglycerides should be below 150.

• Make physical activity part of your daily routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Check with your doctor to find out what activities are best for you.

• Make sure to eat “heart healthy” food, including high-fiber food such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, and oats. Cut back on meats, butter and other dairy products. Limit foods with trans fat such as potato chips.

• Lose weight if you need to. If you are overweight, try to exercise most days of the week. Consult a registered dietitian for help in planning meals that lower the fat and calorie content of your diet to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

• If you smoke, quit.

• Check if you need to take an aspirin. Studies have shown that a low dose of aspirin everyday can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Take your medicines as directed.