Public warned of Holiday Heart Syndrome

CEBU, Philippines — As the Christmas holiday approaches, health experts advised the public to take necessary precautions against “Holiday Heart Syndrome (HHS) and other cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiologist Dr. James Cayetano said the incidence of HHS and other medical conditions like heart attack and stroke normally surges during the Christmas Season due to overeating and binge drinking.

“May mga statistics na nagpapakita na ang incidence ng heart attack at stroke tumataaas pag holiday season, lalo December and January may spike,” Cayetano said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum yesterday.

Due to binge drinking during the Christmas holiday, Cayetano said cases of HHS or temporary irregular heart also go up.

“Walang pinipili mayaman o mahirap nangyayari yan. Reminder sa mga kabataan ang kuryente ng puso ay nagloloko dahil sa sobrang pag inom,” Cayetano pointed out.

He said an individual can land in the emergency room because of HHS, and the heart condition can even be fatal.

According to cardiologist Dr. Francis Marie Purino, the incidence of hypertension also increases during the holidays

Aside from too much consumption of fats, heart experts said, stress also causes the high blood pressure to go up.

Among the symptoms of a heart attack are chest pain, difficulty breathing, and indigestion. Manifestation of a brain stroke, on the other hand, includes problems with balance and slurring of speech.

Those experiencing such symptoms, Purino said, should immediately go to the nearest hospital.

To prevent a heart attack, Purino reminded the public to eat and drink moderately during the holidays. She further advised those with existing medical conditions not to forget taking their maintenance medicine, to do regular exercise, and to have a medical checkup after the Holidays.

Eight in 10 heart attacks happen at home; thus, heart specialists stressed the importance of knowing hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Filipino-owned firm Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. launched a nationwide Sagip CPR campaign a few months ago.

Patrick Larraga, of Bell Kenz, said they are implementing their Sagip- CPR campaign to more schools and local government units (LGUs) in the coming year in a bid to make the entire country CPR-ready. — Philippine Star News Service/FPL (FREEMAN)