Cardiovascular disease leads cause of death in Caraga

By Erwin M. Mascariñas
Correspondent .

Butuan City — The Department of Health (DOH) in Caraga Region has issued a warning on the rise of incidence related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) after it was recorded to be the leading cause of death in Caraga Region for 2018. 

The DOH Center for Health Development-Caraga revealed that the incidence of CVDs such as stroke, hypertension have increased from 81.49 in 2017 to 89.09 per 100,000 population in 2018, making the non-communicable disease the leading cause of death in the region in 2018.

“In order to address the problem, we need to acknowledge the primary risks factors that have shown to greatly influence the development of CVDs such as physical inactivity, excessive intake of alcohol, unhealthy diet, like consumption of food and beverages with high levels of salt, fats, and sugar. Also, smoking has been the target of various advocacy activities and campaign,” said Dr. Agnes Cullantes, Medical Officer IV, Non-communicable Disease Cluster head for DOH-Caraga. 

According to the Non- communicable Diseases Cluster, about 15,049 newly diagnosed hypertensives was recorded in 2018 with a total of 57, 553 hypertensives being managed and given medications. Meanwhile, 622 organized health clubs have been reported by different RHUs and City Health Offices in the region.

Cullantes emphasized that early detection through special screening and assessment should be strengthened to go hand in hand with the prevention and control.

“All those who are 25-years-old and above should have themselves checked either in our rural health centers or private clinics to check and assess the risk and the likelihood of developing the disease,” she said.

According to DOH-Caraga, they are providing free maintenance medications under the Medicine Access Program Complete Treatment Packs of DOH-NCPAM, such as Amlodipine, Losartan and Simvastatin, which are available at the rural health units and main health centers.

The DOH-Caraga added that they provide free maintenance medications for diabetic patients such as Metformin and Gliclazide. In 2018, a total of 594, 346 treatment packs with 30 tablets of maintenance medication per pack, of antihypertensive medication have been availed region-wide.

Dr. Jose R. Llacuna Jr., Regional Director of DOH-Caraga reiterated that amid all the free medication, the risk factor always falls into the lifestyle of the person.

“I would like to emphasize that prevention is still better than cure. Practice regular exercise, thus, be physically active, balanced diet like eating healthier food, drink in moderation or stop drinking alcohol and quit or don’t smoke at all,” said Llacuna.